Moving to Singapore from Times Square and Broadway is a big lifestyle shift, but many New Yorkers find the transition surprisingly smooth once they understand visas, neighbourhoods, housing rules, and daily life in the Lion City. This Moving to Singapore from Times Square and Broadway: Expat Guide gives you a practical, step‑by‑step overview tailored to Midtown Manhattan professionals and NYC theatre lovers, so you can relocate or invest in Singapore with confidence using Homejourney’s trusted tools and verified data.
From Times Square & Broadway to Singapore: What Really Changes
If you’re used to Times Square’s bright billboards, Broadway shows and the constant buzz of Midtown Manhattan, Singapore’s core districts will feel instantly familiar—but cleaner, safer, and more organised. The CBD and Orchard Road offer the same skyscraper skyline and late‑night energy, while areas like Esplanade and Marina Bay host touring Broadway musicals and international performances that will resonate with any NYC theatre fan.[3]
Where Times Square is centred around the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue, Singapore’s “action zones” are more spread out: Orchard for shopping, Marina Bay for the skyline, Bugis for youth culture, and the CBD for finance.[2] Nightlife is more regulated than NYC, but you gain excellent public transport, low violent crime, and year‑round warm weather. Many Times Square professionals look to Singapore for:
- Regional roles in finance, tech, media, and hospitality
- Tax‑efficient structures for high earners
- A safe base for families compared with Midtown Manhattan’s crowds and noise
- Gateway access to Southeast Asia for business and travel
For a broader overview of relocating from global cities to Singapore, you can also explore Homejourney’s main expat pillar guide , which this article supports.
Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work & Cost of Living
Key visa and work pass options
Unlike simply hopping on the subway from Times Square to another NYC neighbourhood, moving to Singapore requires the right pass. The main options for Times Square and Broadway expats are:
- Employment Pass (EP) – For foreign professionals with a job offer in Singapore, usually earning at least a benchmark salary set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Most Midtown white‑collar workers and creatives will use this route. Always confirm current salary thresholds on the official MOM site.
- S Pass – For mid‑skilled workers in specific industries. This is less common for Wall Street, marketing, or Broadway‑type roles.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) – For high‑earning professionals with more flexibility to change jobs without reapplying, subject to MOM criteria.
- EntrePass – For founders wanting to launch a startup or creative business in Singapore.
- Dependent’s Pass / Long‑Term Visit Pass – For spouses and children of eligible pass holders.
Homejourney recommends verifying eligibility directly with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower and consulting an immigration specialist for complex cases. Regulations change, and only MOM can confirm your status.
Employment opportunities for Times Square & Broadway profiles
Professionals from Times Square, Broadway shows, and NYC theatre often transition into Singapore roles in:
- Financial services and fintech (similar pace to Midtown’s banking district)
- Media, advertising, and digital production
- Hospitality and luxury retail (experience with Broadway musicals and high‑tourism zones transfers well)
- Events, arts management, and live entertainment around Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, and international touring productions
While Singapore’s theatre scene is smaller than Broadway, international shows like Beetlejuice the Musical and other Broadway musicals tour here regularly, offering familiar industry touchpoints for NYC theatre professionals.[3]
Cost of living: Times Square vs Singapore
If you live near Times Square, you’re already used to premium rents and restaurant prices. Singapore’s core districts (Orchard, Marina Bay, River Valley) are similarly high, but day‑to‑day costs are often more predictable:
- Rent – A modern 1‑bedroom condo in central Singapore can range from the equivalent of a mid‑ to high‑end Midtown Manhattan rental, depending on building age, facilities, and MRT proximity. Use Homejourney’s property search Property Search for current, verified listings.
- Transport – MRT and buses are far cheaper than NYC subway plus taxis; many expats comfortably rely on public transport and ride‑hailing.
- Dining – Hawker centres offer full meals at local prices that feel like a bargain compared with Times Square restaurants, though high‑end dining can match or exceed NYC levels.
Homejourney continually checks market data, cross‑referencing public housing statistics from HDB and private housing data from URA, so you can benchmark accurately using our projects directory Projects Directory .
Community and social networks
Just as Broadway has tight‑knit communities of performers and backstage professionals, Singapore has active expat groups for Americans and theatre lovers. Many gather around:
- Facebook and Meetup groups for US expats, arts lovers, and performers
- Events at the Esplanade, Victoria Theatre, and independent arts spaces
- International chambers of commerce and professional associations
For families who previously explored Times Square and Broadway with kids, you can find similar family‑friendly entertainment in Singapore. To compare experiences, see Homejourney’s guide Times Square & Broadway with Kids: Family Travel Guide Times Square & Broadway with Kids: Family Travel Guide | Homejourney .
Property in Singapore for Expats from Times Square & Broadway
What foreigners can and cannot buy
Singapore’s property rules are very different from renting a Midtown Manhattan apartment. Foreigners can usually:
- Buy private condominiums and apartments (including new launches and resale units)
- Buy executive condominiums (ECs) after their minimum occupation period, subject to eligibility
- Purchase certain landed properties only with approval from the Singapore Land Authority (usually difficult for new arrivals)
Foreigners generally cannot buy new HDB BTO flats directly from HDB and face stricter conditions for resale public housing. Always confirm specifics on the official HDB and URA sites, as regulations and eligibility criteria can change.
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for foreigners
If you’re used to US closing costs, Singapore’s stamp duties will feel more structured but can be higher for foreigners. In addition to Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD), most foreigners pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) at a higher rate on residential property purchases. The exact percentage depends on your residency and whether you own other property. Always check IRAS (Singapore’s tax authority) for the latest ABSD rates and seek professional tax advice before committing.
Homejourney’s calculators and verified listings are designed to factor these costs openly, so you can compare net yields and affordability transparently.
Popular neighbourhoods for Times Square & Broadway expats
Coming from Midtown Manhattan and the NYC theatre district, you’ll likely appreciate central, well‑connected neighbourhoods with nightlife and culture:
- River Valley / Robertson Quay – Riverside living with cafes, wine bars, and easy access to the CBD; feels like a calmer, waterfront version of Hell’s Kitchen.
- Orchard Road – High‑end malls, serviced apartments, and condos; closest in feel to staying just off Times Square but with more greenery.
- Bugis / Bras Basah – Heritage buildings, arts schools, National Library, and quick access to theatre venues; ideal for NYC theatre fans.
- Tanjong Pagar / Duxton – Shophouses, rooftop bars, and modern condos; the mix of old and new will remind you of the vibe shift from Broadway into surrounding streets.
Use Homejourney’s property search Property Search to filter by MRT line, price, and building age. For project‑level insights (rental yields, past transacted prices, and unit mix), explore our projects directory Projects .
Rental market: what to expect
Leases are typically 1–2 years, and landlords expect good tenancy profiles, similar to high‑demand Midtown landlords. Key differences from Times Square area rentals include:
- Units are usually fully or partially furnished
- Security deposits are commonly 1–2 months’ rent
- Agent commissions and who pays them can differ by rent level—Homejourney always clarifies these upfront
