Moving from Brooklyn to Singapore: Safe Expat Guide with Homejourney

Moving to Singapore from Brooklyn can feel like trading the Brooklyn Bridge skyline for Marina Bay – fast-paced, walkable, urban, and vibrant, but with its own rules, costs, and culture. This Moving to Singapore from Brooklyn Complete: Expat Guide gives Brooklyn NYC residents clear, practical steps on visas, jobs, housing, daily costs, and safe neighbourhood choices, with Homejourney as your trusted partner for property search and relocation decisions.

This article is a focused international expat guide that supports Homejourney’s main Singapore relocation and property investment pillar content . Use it alongside that pillar for deeper dives into Singapore housing rules, financing, and long-term investment strategies.

From Brooklyn to Singapore: What Life Really Feels Like

If you are used to Brooklyn NYC – from Williamsburg’s waterfront jogs to DUMBO’s cobblestone streets under the Brooklyn Bridge – Singapore will feel surprisingly familiar in some ways and totally different in others.

Similarities Brooklyn → Singapore:

Dense, walkable neighborhoods with strong café and bar culture (think Robertson Quay or Tiong Bahru as Singapore’s answer to parts of Williamsburg and Carroll Gardens).
Excellent public transport – in Singapore, the MRT is cleaner, more punctual, and reaches most residential areas.
High cost of living, especially rent and dining out, compared to most US cities outside NYC.

Key differences Brooklyn → Singapore:

Climate: Singapore is hot and humid all year; you will use aircon daily (plan for ongoing Aircon Services once you rent or buy).
Safety: Violent crime is rare; walking home late from Clarke Quay or Tanjong Pagar usually feels safer than many parts of Brooklyn at night.
Housing: More high-rise living, smaller floor areas, and strict rules on what foreigners can buy.
Car ownership: Much more expensive due to COE; most expats rely on MRT, buses, and ride-hailing.

If you are visiting Brooklyn attractions like Williamsburg or DUMBO now and planning your next big move, think of Singapore as an ultra-organised, tropical, city-sized version of a safe, clean Brooklyn – powered by strict regulations and strong public services.

Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work Passes & First Steps

For US citizens coming from Brooklyn, short-term entry is straightforward, but long-term stays require a proper work pass.

Entry and Short Stays

Most US passport holders can enter Singapore visa‑free for up to 90 days for tourism or business, provided you meet Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) entry requirements like a passport valid at least six months and proof of onward travel.[4][3]

Important: Visa‑free entry does not allow you to work. To live in Singapore in a Brooklyn-like lifestyle long‑term, you’ll need an approved work pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).[8]

Key Work Passes for Brooklyn Professionals

All foreigners must hold a valid work pass before starting work in Singapore.[8]

Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives, typically earning at least around S$5,000 per month, with higher salary thresholds in financial services.[2][8]
S Pass: For mid‑level skilled staff, with lower salary thresholds but quota and levy rules (more relevant if your Brooklyn-based company is transferring operational staff).[5][8]

Your Singapore employer usually applies for the pass; they will receive an In‑Principle Approval (IPA) letter which you use to enter and collect your pass once in Singapore.[2]

Jobs and Sectors That Attract Brooklyn Expats

Brooklyn professionals often transition into:

Finance & Fintech: Many roles based around Raffles Place and Marina Bay.
Media, Design & Tech: Comparable to Brooklyn’s creative scene, often clustered near Tanjong Pagar, One‑North, or the CBD fringe.
Education & Non‑Profit: International schools, universities, and NGOs.

For senior roles, some expats also explore Permanent Residence (PR) after a few years; PR applications are handled by ICA and evaluated on contributions, qualifications, and integration into Singapore society.[1][6]

Cost of Living: Brooklyn vs Singapore

Broadly, core city rent and eating out are comparable or slightly higher in Singapore than many Brooklyn neighborhoods, while public transport and local food can be cheaper.

Rule of thumb from clients moving from Williamsburg or DUMBO:

If you are paying US$4,000–$5,500 for a 1–2 bedroom in prime Brooklyn, expect S$4,000–S$6,000 for a similar central condo in Singapore (e.g., River Valley, Tanjong Pagar), depending on age and facilities. (Figures are indicative; always verify current listings on Property Search .)
Everyday hawker meals can be S$5–S$8 per person, while hip café brunches in Tiong Bahru or Joo Chiat can easily reach S$25–S$35 per person.

Because prices shift, Homejourney recommends checking fresh rental trends by area via our Projects Directory and live listings via Property Search before locking in a budget.

Property in Singapore for Brooklyn Expats: What You Can Rent or Buy

What Foreigners Can and Cannot Buy

Singapore has strict rules on foreign ownership to keep housing stable. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Singapore Land Authority (SLA) regulate these categories.

Typically allowed for foreigners:
- Private condominiums and apartments
- Private strata‑titled offices and commercial units
Restricted or require approval:
- Landed residential property (e.g., bungalows, terrace houses)
- Public housing (HDB flats) – foreigners cannot buy most HDBs directly, except under very specific schemes

These rules are periodically updated by URA and HDB; if you are considering buying, always cross‑check with official sources and consult a professional. Homejourney agents listed in our and advisory network can help you interpret the latest regulations safely.

ABSD: Extra Stamp Duty for Foreign Buyers

Foreigners buying residential property in Singapore pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of Buyer’s Stamp Duty. Rates and rules change periodically, so always verify current ABSD on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) site and through your conveyancing lawyer before committing.

Because ABSD is a major cost item, especially if you are comparing a Brooklyn condo vs a Singapore condo, Homejourney recommends speaking with a licensed advisor and using our Bank Rates tools to understand how ABSD, loan‑to‑value caps, and interest rates affect your total outlay.

Where Brooklyn Expats Tend to Live in Singapore

If you love particular Brooklyn neighborhoods, here’s how they map emotionally to Singapore areas:

Williamsburg → Tiong Bahru / Joo Chiat / River Valley
Hip cafés, independent shops, and low‑rise blocks in Tiong Bahru or colorful shophouses in Joo Chiat echo Williamsburg’s vibe. River Valley offers a more polished version with quick access to Orchard and the CBD.
DUMBO → Robertson Quay / Clarke Quay fringe
Waterfront living with jogging paths along the Singapore River and easy CBD access, similar to living by the East River with skyline views.
Brooklyn Heights → Novena / Newton
More residential, family‑friendly, yet just a few MRT stops from the city center.

For rentals, use Homejourney’s Property Search to filter by MRT line, budget, and property type. For buyers watching new launches and resale condo performance, our Projects and Projects Directory provide verified market data in one safe, transparent interface.