Life in Singapore for USA Expats: What to Expect
Life in Singapore for USA expats is defined by high safety, efficient public services, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle, but also by a relatively high cost of living and a very structured, rules-based environment. For Americans in Singapore who plan carefully—especially around visas, housing, and schooling—the city can offer a cleaner, safer and often lower-tax alternative to major US cities while still feeling familiar in many day-to-day aspects.
This cluster guide sits under Homejourney’s main Singapore expat & property pillar, giving USA expats tactical, on-the-ground advice about everyday life, relocation logistics, and housing decisions. For a step‑by‑step move playbook, you can also refer to our main guide: Moving to Singapore from USA: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney .
1. Why Americans Choose Singapore
From my experience working with USA expats in areas like Robertson Quay, Tanjong Pagar and Holland Village, three reasons come up repeatedly: safety, career upside, and ease of living. Violent crime is rare, public transport is reliable, and Changi Airport makes weekend getaways around Asia straightforward.
Compared with New York, San Francisco or Chicago, many USA expats describe Singapore as "NYC-level convenience with small‑town safety"—you can walk home from Tanjong Pagar MRT at midnight without worrying much, and children often take the MRT or bus to school from an early age. At the same time, Singapore’s low personal income tax rates often mean higher net take‑home pay than in high‑tax US states, even if headline salaries look similar.[1][2]
Culturally, English is the working language, contracts are in English, and most signage is bilingual, so USA expats rarely face language barriers. The biggest differences tend to be climate (hot and humid all year), stricter laws (for example around drugs, vandalism, and public behaviour), and smaller home sizes compared with typical American suburbs.
2. Relocating to Singapore from the USA
2.1 Visa and Work Pass Basics
Most USA expats arrive on an Employment Pass (EP) sponsored by a Singapore employer, an S Pass for mid‑skilled roles, or a Dependant’s Pass (DP) tied to a spouse’s EP. Details and eligibility are set by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and rules change periodically—always confirm against official MOM resources before committing to a move.
Insider tip: HR teams often underestimate how long EP approvals can take during peak periods. Build in at least 4–6 weeks between offer acceptance and your intended move date, and avoid booking non‑refundable flights until your EP is formally approved.
2.2 Employment Opportunities for USA Expats
American professionals are most commonly concentrated in finance (Raffles Place, Marina Bay), tech (one‑north, Mapletree Business City), consulting, pharmaceuticals, and regional HQ roles. Many US multinationals base their Asia‑Pacific operations in Singapore, which is why you see clusters of USA expats around River Valley, Orchard and East Coast for easy access to CBD and international schools.
If you are transferring internally within a US firm, clarify whether your package includes housing allowance, school fees, relocation support, and tax equalisation. These can easily be worth several thousand SGD a month in a city where a single expat’s comfortable monthly budget is typically around SGD 3,500–6,000 excluding school fees.[2][5]
2.3 Cost of Living: USA vs Singapore
Housing is usually the biggest shock for Americans in Singapore. A one‑bedroom condo in or near the CBD (e.g., Tanjong Pagar, Marina Bay, Robertson Quay) can run around SGD 4,000–6,000 per month,[1][3] while larger family‑friendly condos near international schools (Holland Village, Bukit Timah, East Coast) can easily reach SGD 7,000–10,000+ for 3–4 bedrooms.[3][7]
On the other hand, everyday expenses like hawker food (SGD 5–8 per meal), public transport, and basic healthcare are often cheaper than in major US cities.[3][5] Overall, expat budgets commonly fall in these bands:
- Single USA expat: roughly SGD 3,500–6,000/month including rent[2][5]
- Family of four: SGD 6,000–12,000/month depending on rent and schooling choices[2][7]
Homejourney’s Mortgage Rates and Bank Rates pages help you benchmark what you can reasonably afford if you move from renting to buying later.
2.4 Community and Social Networks
There is a sizable American community centered around areas like Holland Village, River Valley, Orchard, and the East Coast. Many USA expats join the American Association of Singapore, parent groups linked to the American School, or interest‑based meetups.
Insider tip: For fast social integration, look at gyms and clubs near your home—yoga studios in Tiong Bahru, running clubs around Marina Bay, and sailing or wakeboarding from Sentosa/Keppel often become expats’ primary social circles more than nationality‑based groups.
3. Property in Singapore for USA Expats
3.1 What Foreigners Can Buy
As a non‑resident USA expat, you can freely buy most non‑landed private property (condominiums and private apartments) without prior government approval. Landed property (e.g., bungalows, terrace houses) and some restricted types usually require approval from the Singapore Land Authority and are subject to strict criteria.
Foreigners generally cannot buy new HDB flats directly from the Housing & Development Board and face tight restrictions even in the resale HDB market. In practice, most Americans in Singapore either rent or buy private condos. For up‑to‑date project data and launch information, Homejourney’s Projects Directory and Projects are a good starting point.
3.2 ABSD for USA Citizens
Singapore imposes Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on residential property purchases, with different rates by residency and citizenship. USA citizens benefit from Singapore’s free trade agreement clauses, which generally allow them to be treated on par with Singapore Permanent Residents for ABSD on certain purchases, but the exact treatment can be technical and changes over time.
Because stamp duty rules are updated periodically, always cross‑check current ABSD rates on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) site or consult a qualified tax or conveyancing professional. Homejourney emphasizes safe, well‑informed transactions, and we recommend USA buyers speak with both a tax adviser (for US worldwide income issues) and a local lawyer before committing to a purchase.
3.3 Popular Neighbourhoods for Americans in Singapore
Based on where USA expats most often search on Homejourney’s Property Search , these areas stand out:
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: Walkable to CBD (20–25 minutes on foot to Raffles Place), lots of Western cafés, riverside running paths. Very popular with singles and couples working in finance or consulting.
- Holland Village / Bukit Timah: Green, low‑rise feel, close to several international schools. Ideal for families wanting space and a more suburban vibe while staying 15–20 minutes’ drive from the CBD.
- East Coast (Katong, Marine Parade): Seafront park, cycling paths, and a mix of heritage shophouses and condos. Feels a bit like a beachside US neighbourhood; many long‑term expats like the community feel.
- Tanjong Pagar / Duxton / Marina Bay: High‑rise city living with easy walk to offices, large expat presence, plenty of restaurants and bars within a few minutes of your apartment.
Insider tip: If you value quiet nights, avoid units directly above late‑night bars or facing main roads like East Coast Road and Orchard Road—do a noise check at 10–11 pm before signing any lease.
3.4 Rental Market Snapshot & Safety
After sharp increases post‑2022, rents have moderated slightly but remain high by global standards.[1][3] You should budget at least SGD 3,500 for a modest central‑area apartment and up to SGD 7,000 or more for a larger, newer unit in a prime location.[1][3]
Homejourney prioritizes verified listings, transparent pricing and agent reviews to reduce the risk of rental scams—a growing concern for new arrivals searching online from the US. Always insist on a proper tenancy agreement, confirm the landlord’s ownership via official records where possible, and be cautious of anyone asking for large deposits before you or your representative have viewed the property.
For personalized help, you can connect with vetted agents via Homejourney’s agent directory , and browse live listings on Property Search .
