Canada vs Singapore: Cost of Living Comparison – Quick Answer
If you compare Canada vs Singapore: Cost of Living, overall living expenses (including rent) are significantly higher in Singapore, especially for housing, transport, childcare and international schooling, even though local salaries are also higher in Singapore on average.[2][3][5] Canada generally offers cheaper housing and daily living, while Singapore offers higher income potential, lower taxes, and a safer, more efficient city environment.
This cluster article supports Homejourney’s broader pillar guide on international relocation and investment by zooming in specifically on Canada vs Singapore cost of living. It is written from the perspective of someone based in Singapore who regularly helps Canadians and other expats compare budgets, neighbourhoods and long‑term property plans.
1. Canada vs Singapore Cost of Living – Overview Comparison
1.1 Quick facts: Canada vs Singapore at a glance
Below is a simplified comparison using typical national‑level data (all figures approximate and subject to change):[1][2][3][5]
Different sources consistently show that Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, while Canada is expensive but noticeably cheaper overall.[1][2][5] When I sit down with Canadians moving from Toronto or Vancouver, their first shock is usually the rental quotes for a one‑bedroom in Tanjong Pagar or Orchard versus a similar downtown unit back home.
1.2 Quality of life trade‑offs
- Singapore: Extremely safe, clean, efficient public transport, world‑class healthcare and education, but very high housing and car costs.
- Canada: More space, lower housing costs, four‑season lifestyle, but longer commutes in many cities and harsher winters.
Homejourney’s role is to help you convert these macro comparisons into a concrete, verifiable monthly budget and safe property plan if you choose Singapore.
2. Property & Real Estate: Where Costs Diverge Most
2.1 Buying property: Canada vs Singapore
On purchase price alone, Singapore private property is much more expensive per square foot than most Canadian cities.[3]
- Singapore: Typical private condos in central areas (e.g. River Valley, Tanjong Pagar, Bugis) can exceed S$2,500–3,000 psf, with new launches often above this.[3]Projects Directory
- Canada: Average price per sq ft for city‑centre apartments is around S$730 equivalent, roughly 70%+ cheaper than Singapore on a per‑sq‑ft basis.[3]
For a Canadian couple used to a 800 sq ft condo in downtown Toronto, the same budget in Singapore often means either a smaller central unit, or moving to fringe locations like Queenstown or Paya Lebar. Homejourney’s Projects section lets you compare new and resale Singapore projects against your Canadian benchmarks using live psf data.Projects Directory
2.2 Renting: expat‑friendly neighbourhoods
Numbeo data shows rent in Canada is roughly 45–60% lower than in Singapore, depending on city and location.[2][3] Based on what we see on the ground:
- Singapore city‑centre 1‑bedroom (e.g. Tanjong Pagar, Orchard): ~S$3,800–4,500/month for a modern condo, 5–8 minutes’ walk to MRT.
- Singapore fringe 1‑bedroom (e.g. Queenstown, Paya Lebar): ~S$2,800–3,500/month with good MRT links.
- Toronto/Vancouver 1‑bedroom downtown: Often S$1,700–2,400 equivalent (C$1,800–2,600), depending on building and exact area.[2][4]
If you are used to living near Union Station in Toronto, an equivalent Singapore lifestyle would be staying around Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar or Marina Bay – at a considerably higher rent but with almost zero need for a car and much shorter walking distances in daily life.
You can explore current rental options by budget, MRT line and neighbourhood on Homejourney’s property search tool.Property Search
2.3 Investment potential & rental yields
For property investment, investors compare not only price but also stability, yields and policy risk.
- Singapore: Rental yields for central condos often sit in the ~3–4% range, with higher yields in city‑fringe and mass‑market projects.Projects The city offers strong rule of law, transparent regulations (URA, MAS, IRAS), and high tenant demand from MNCs and international schools.EdgeProp Property News
- Canada: Yields can vary widely by city – some secondary markets may see higher yields, while major cities can be compressed by high prices and rent regulations.
Foreign buyers should also note Singapore’s Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)
For personalised yield and loan projections, Homejourney’s partner agents and mortgage tools on the bank rates page can model scenarios in both SGD and CAD.Bank Rates
Singapore’s tropical climate means you will almost certainly run air‑conditioning daily, especially in bedrooms at night. Canadians relocating from cities like Calgary or Montreal often underestimate this cost.
Regular servicing is crucial in Singapore’s humid climate – clogged filters increase both power bills and health risks. Homejourney connects owners and tenants with vetted aircon services so you can maintain indoor air quality safely and transparently.Aircon Services
Data suggests groceries in Singapore are often 15–20% more expensive than in Canada overall, while mid‑range restaurants can be more affordable here because of hawker culture.[1][2]
3. Lifestyle & Daily Living Costs
3.1 Climate, utilities and comfort
3.2 Food, groceries and dining out
References
