Moving from USA to Singapore: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney

Moving from USA to Singapore can be a life-changing upgrade in safety, efficiency, and career opportunities, but it requires careful planning around visas, housing, cost of living, and long‑term property investment. This complete expat guide walks you step‑by‑step through what Americans need to know before relocating, and how Homejourney helps you navigate Singapore real estate safely and confidently.

This article is a focused cluster within Homejourney’s broader Singapore relocation and property investment pillar. For a deeper comparison of USA vs Singapore careers, cost of living, and property investment, you can also refer to: USA vs Singapore Cost of Living: 2025 Guide by Homejourney , USA vs Singapore Property Investment Guide 2025 | Homejourney , and USA vs Singapore: Investment & Lifestyle Guide 2025 | Homejourney .

Key differences: Living in USA vs Singapore

If you are used to living in the USA, Singapore will feel familiar in its modernity and English-speaking environment, but very different in scale, density, and public policy. Everyday life is structured, safe, and highly regulated—something most American expats notice within their first week.

Safety: Violent crime is very low; walking home at midnight in areas like Tanjong Pagar or Holland Village is generally comfortable, including for solo female expats. Still, standard precautions apply.
Size & distances: You can cross most of Singapore by MRT in under 60 minutes. A commute from Pasir Ris to Raffles Place CBD is about 45 minutes door-to-door at peak hours.
Car vs public transport: Unlike many US cities, owning a car is optional. The MRT and buses are fast, reliable, and air‑conditioned; taxis and ride-hailing are widely available.
Housing: High-rise apartments dominate. Landed houses (the closest US equivalent to a detached home) are rare and very expensive.
Healthcare & schools: World‑class but not cheap for non‑citizens; expats typically use private insurance and international schools.

For a structured comparison of America vs Singapore career prospects and sectors, see USA vs Singapore: Career Opportunities Guide 2025 | Homejourney .

Step 1: Visa & work passes for US citizens

US citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays up to 90 days, but you must have an appropriate pass to live and work in Singapore long‑term.[6] For Americans relocating for work, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulates all work passes.[7]

Main passes US expats use

Short‑Term Visit Pass: For tourism or preliminary trips (typically up to 90 days). You cannot work on this pass.[3][6]
Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives. As of 2025, you generally need to earn at least S$5,600/month and pass the COMPASS points framework, which assesses salary, qualifications, company diversity, and local hiring.[2][7]
S Pass: For mid‑level skilled staff with lower salary thresholds than EP, but subject to quotas and levies.[7]
Dependant’s Pass / Long‑Term Visit Pass: For legally married spouses and children, and in some cases other family members (subject to conditions).[1][7]

Official requirements and latest thresholds change periodically. Always cross‑check with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) websites before applying.[6][7]

Practical visa planning tips

Secure a job offer first: For most Americans, the employer sponsors the EP or S Pass. It is difficult to "job hunt on the ground" without a clear timeline because you cannot legally work on a visitor pass.
Document checklist: Have digital copies of your degree certificates, professional licences, detailed CV, reference letters, and past salary slips ready before EP filing.[3]
Lead time: Allow 4–8 weeks for EP processing in busy periods, though some approvals are faster if your profile is strong and documentation is clear.[2]
Family relocation: If moving with spouse or children, plan dependant passes in parallel to avoid staggered arrivals and temporary accommodation issues.

Step 2: Where to live – neighborhood guide for US expats

Singapore’s neighborhoods each have distinct character. Having lived around the Circle Line and Thomson-East Coast Line areas, I often recommend starting with your commute and lifestyle priorities rather than just rental price per square foot.

Popular areas for American expats

River Valley / Robertson Quay: Close to the Singapore River, walkable to CBD (20–25 minutes on foot, or 5–10 minutes by bus). Popular with families and professionals who like cafes and riverside dining.
Holland Village / Chip Bee Gardens: A long‑time expat favorite. MRT access via the Circle Line; plenty of restaurants, bars, and a more relaxed low‑rise feel.
Orchard / Newton: Central, convenient for shopping and international schools’ bus routes, but rentals are higher.
East Coast (Katong, Marine Parade): More local, family‑friendly vibe with easy access to East Coast Park. Many locals and expats like the food streets along East Coast Road.
One‑North / Buona Vista: Ideal if you are in tech or R&D; short commutes to offices in Fusionopolis, Biopolis, and nearby business parks.

To explore actual listings, price ranges, and project details, use Homejourney’s safe property search with verified information: Property Search . For new projects and data‑driven research, refer to Projects and Projects Directory .

Typical rent benchmarks (rough guide)

Rents fluctuate with the market, location, and building age. Always check recent data on EdgeProp Property News or Straits Times Housing News and cross‑reference with Homejourney listings, but as a general feel:

1‑bedroom condo (city fringe): Often in the S$3,000–S$4,000/month range.
2‑bedroom condo (central areas): Commonly S$5,000–S$7,000/month depending on age and facilities.
3‑bedroom condo (family‑oriented projects): Can range from about S$6,000 to well above S$10,000/month for prime districts.
HDB flats (public housing, for eligible non‑citizens as tenants): Often 20–40% cheaper than equivalent‑size condos in similar locations, but with fewer facilities and restrictions on use.

Insider tip: Many older condos in areas like Bukit Timah, Novena, and Upper Thomson have larger layouts than newer launches. If you prefer American‑style space over brand‑new facilities, target these older developments on Homejourney and filter by floor area.

Step 3: Cost of living – how America vs Singapore compares

Compared to living in the USA, you will likely spend more on housing and car ownership but may save on public transport, healthcare (with insurance), and day‑to‑day safety‑net costs. The exact picture depends on which US city you are coming from.

Housing: Prime central rentals can rival or exceed New York or San Francisco, but you gain safety, maintenance, and facilities.
Transport: MRT and buses cost a few dollars per trip with contactless payment; monthly spend is usually far lower than car ownership in the US.
Food: Hawker centres (Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, Old Airport Road) offer full meals for under S$8; dining at expat‑oriented restaurants is similar to major US cities.
Schooling: International school fees can be substantial, often comparable to private schools in the US.

For a more numerical breakdown, review USA vs Singapore Cost of Living: 2025 Guide by Homejourney . Homejourney’s cost comparison tables and neighborhood filters help Americans budget realistically before signing a lease or buying.