Life in Singapore for Hong Kong Expats: Homejourney Guide
Life in Singapore for Hong Kong expats offers a seamless blend of efficiency, safety, and luxury, with lower taxes, spacious living, and direct flights home. Many HK expats relocate for career growth in finance and tech while enjoying cleaner air and family-friendly vibes compared to Hong Kong's density.
Homejourney prioritizes your safety in this transition, verifying property data and linking you to trusted resources for a secure HK expat Singapore experience. This cluster dives into practical steps, connecting to our pillar guide on relocate Singapore from HK.
Why Hong Kong Expats Choose Singapore
Singapore attracts HK professionals with its business hub status, English-speaking environment, and political stability. Unlike Hong Kong's high density, Singapore provides green spaces like Gardens by the Bay (10-minute walk from Marina Bay MRT Exit A).
Key draws include lower personal income taxes (0-22% progressive rates) versus Hong Kong's salaries tax, and family perks like international schools. Expats report 20-30% more living space for similar budgets[1][2].
Relocating to Singapore from Hong Kong
Visa and Work Permits
For Hong Kong to Singapore moves, apply for Employment Pass (EP) if earning S$5,000+ monthly (finance sector threshold). Processing takes 3 weeks via MOM website; success rate high for HK talent in banking.
Insider tip: Use Homejourney's verified agent directory for EP support. Families qualify for Dependant's Pass; check 从新加坡工作签证EP SP完整移居新加坡指南｜Homejourney安全置业路线图 for details.
Cost of Living Comparison
A single HK expat needs S$3,500-6,000 monthly including rent, versus Hong Kong's HK$20,000+ (similar PPP-adjusted)[1][3]. Family of four: S$6,000-12,000[3]. Rent drives costs: CBD one-bedroom S$4,000-6,000[2].
- Food: Hawker meals S$5-10 (vs HK$50+ dim sum).
- Transport: MRT S$1-2 per ride (Orchard MRT to CBD: 10 mins).
- Utilities: S$100-200/month for 2-bedroom condo.
HK expats save on taxes but budget for high rents; use Bank Rates for financing comparisons.
Property Options for HK Expats in Singapore
Foreigners can't buy HDB flats (citizen/PR reserved) but can purchase private condos after 10-year wait or leasehold[1]. Pay 60% ABSD on first purchase (S$1M property: S$600k extra duty).
Popular Neighborhoods
HK expats favor Orchard (shopping, 5-min walk to ION Orchard) and River Valley (quiet, S$5,000-8,000 2-bed rent). Median condo price S$1.59M[1]. East Coast (family-friendly beaches, S$4,000-5,500 3-bed)[6].
| Neighborhood | 1-Bed Rent (S$) | Why HK Expats Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Orchard | 4,000-5,000 | Vibrant retail, MRT access |
| River Valley | 3,500-4,500 | Expats, dining (5-min to Zion Rd hawker) |
| Tanjong Pagar | 3,800-5,000 | Finance hub, HK-style bars |
Search verified listings on Property Search or explore projects at Projects . Rentals average S$3,000-10,000 for 3-bed[1]. Post-purchase, schedule Aircon Services for maintenance.
Practical Settling-In Guide
Banking and Finances
Open DBS/POSB account at any branch (e.g., Chinatown MRT Exit A, 2-min walk) with EP. HK expats transfer via Wise; Homejourney supports HKD-SGD rates.
- Visit branch with passport/EP.
- Activate SingPass for online banking (instant approvals).
- Link to Bank Rates for mortgages (2.5-3% rates).
Healthcare and Education
World-class public system (e.g., KK Women's Hospital, 15-min from Novena MRT). Expats buy Integrated Shield Plans (S$200/month). Schools: UWCSEA (Tanglin campus, S$30k/year fees).
Transportation
MRT/LTA buses cover island (Changi Airport to CBD: 40 mins, S$2). Grab rides S$10-20. No need for car (COE S$100k+).
Maintaining HK Connections
Direct flights: Cathay/Scoot, 3.5-4 hours (S$300-600 roundtrip). Join HK Singapore Business Association (events at Marina Bay Sands). Currency: Exchange HKD at Mustafa Centre (24/7, Serangoon MRT, 5-min walk).
Link with communities via Moving to Singapore from Hong Kong: Homejourney’s Safe Expat Guide .
Success Stories: HK Expats Thriving
Finance execs from HK banks (DBS/HSBC) report 20% salary bumps, loving Tanjong Pagar's dim sum spots. Families praise safer streets and parks (Botanic Gardens, free entry). One expat: "Spacious condo for same price as HK shoebox—Homejourney verified it safely."[2]
FAQ: Life in Singapore for Hong Kong Expats
1. How much to live comfortably as HK expat in Singapore?
S$5,000-7,000/month single (incl. S$4k rent); families S$10k+[1][3].
2. Can HK expats buy property?
Yes, condos with 60% ABSD. Rent first via Property Search .
3. Best neighborhoods for HK expats?
Orchard, River Valley—walkable, vibrant[6].
4. Flight time HK to Singapore?
3.5 hours direct; weekly commutes easy.
5. Visa for HK professionals?
EP for S$5k+ salary; apply via MOM. See 新加坡工作签证EP SP完整亲子游完整指南｜Homejourney安全出行与置业策略 .
Ready for your life in Singapore for Hong Kong expats? Start safely with Homejourney's verified property search and pillar guide on Moving to Singapore from Hong Kong: Homejourney’s Safe Expat Guide . Contact us for personalized, trust-first advice.
