Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- SGD 3,200 - 5,100
- One bedroom, suburbs
- SGD 2,300 - 3,800
- Three bedrooms, city center
- SGD 5,700 - 8,900
Country research
Retire in Singapore
Retirement planning in Singapore depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.
71.6Overall research score
100Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living45.5/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety100/100Safety index
Healthcare88/100Quality index
Average temperature27°CYearly average
Why Singapore
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Whether Singapore fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
What stands out
- Warm climate
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- SGD 510 - 760
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- SGD 190 - 320
- Health insurance
- SGD 190 - 380
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- No dedicated retirement visa; long-term residence requires family, employment, investment or another eligible route
- Minimum annual income
- Not listed
- Processing time
- Varies by pathway
- Income tax
- 3.5-22%
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 100/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.001 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 70 days per year
- Doctor visit
- SGD 60 - 190
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in Singapore
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in Singapore
What is the cost of living in Singapore?
The relative PPP price-level score for Singapore is 45.5/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as SGD 3,200 - 5,100, while health insurance is SGD 190 - 380.
Is Singapore safe for expats and retirees?
Singapore has a safety index of 100/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.001 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in Singapore?
The healthcare system in Singapore has a quality index of 88/100. A doctor visit costs SGD 60 - 190, and health insurance typically costs SGD 190 - 380 per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in Singapore?
Singapore lists the route “No dedicated retirement visa; long-term residence requires family, employment, investment or another eligible route”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by pathway. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in Singapore?
Retirees in Singapore face income tax rates of 3.5-22%. Property tax is Owner-occupied property tax is progressive by annual value; other rates are higher and inheritance tax is No inheritance or estate tax. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in Singapore?
Singapore has approximately 2,841,665 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Singapore City.
Other destinations to compare
Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
Italy
Italy may suit retirees who value cultural and regional variety, subject to local housing costs, healthcare arrangements, residence eligibility, and tax advice.
74.3overall score
98.9safety
82healthcare
Portugal
Portugal may suit retirees who value EU infrastructure, coastal and inland lifestyle options, and a documented passive-income residence route. Check current AIMA requirements and local housing costs before applying.
76.6overall score
98.6safety
83healthcare
Spain
Spain may suit retirees who value regional and cultural variety, subject to non-lucrative visa requirements, local housing costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.
76.4overall score
98.6safety
84healthcare
Czechia
Whether Czechia fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
66.6overall score
98.5safety
83healthcare
Japan
Whether Japan fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
64.6overall score
99.6safety
86healthcare
South Korea
Whether South Korea fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
66overall score
99.1safety
88healthcare