If you are moving to Singapore from Hong Kong Disneyland and its surrounding Hong Kong districts, expect a move from a compact, entertainment‑focused lifestyle near a major theme park to a highly organised, ultra‑safe city with strong expat support, excellent public transport, and a more structured property market.
This focused expat guide explains visas, cost of living, housing options, and settling‑in essentials, with Homejourney’s safety‑first tools helping you search, compare and verify Singapore homes confidently.
From Hong Kong Disneyland Lifestyle to Living in Singapore
If you are used to weekends at Hong Kong Disneyland, nearby Disney HK hotels, and the family‑friendly atmosphere of theme parks Hong Kong and other family attractions HK, Singapore will feel familiar in several ways.
Both cities are dense, efficient, and transit‑oriented, with easy access to shopping malls, international schools, and waterfront leisure areas. In Hong Kong, you might stay near Sunny Bay / Tung Chung and travel to the park by MTR; in Singapore, the equivalent would be living along the East–West Line or Circle Line and hopping easily to the CBD, Sentosa, or Changi Airport.
Where Singapore differs is its extremely low crime, very clear regulations, and a more predictable, rules‑based property market overseen by HDB and URA. Homejourney builds on that framework by verifying listings and data so international movers can make decisions from overseas with confidence.
For more general comparisons between Singapore and other international gateways, you can also refer to our broader relocation pillar guide 从菲律宾移居新加坡指南：Homejourney终极房产买家攻略 , which this article supports with Hong Kong Disneyland–specific insights.
Relocating to Singapore: Visas, Work & Cost of Living
Visa and work permit options
Most people moving from Hong Kong to Singapore for work will enter on one of these main passes (administered by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower):
- Employment Pass (EP) – For professionals, managers and executives with a qualifying salary, typically sponsored by a Singapore employer.
- S Pass – For mid‑skilled staff, with quota and levy rules for employers.
- EntrePass – For founders of innovative, venture‑backed or IP‑rich startups.
- Dependant’s Pass / Long‑Term Visit Pass – For eligible spouses and children of EP / S Pass holders.
Always confirm latest criteria on the official MOM website and consult your employer or a licensed relocation professional if your situation is complex. Requirements such as minimum salary and COMPASS scoring can change.
Employment opportunities for Hong Kong Disneyland & tourism professionals
If you worked at or around Hong Kong Disneyland in hospitality, F&B, operations, or entertainment, your skills translate well into Singapore’s tourism and services sectors. Resorts World Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road hotels, and major attractions (like the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari) regularly hire for guest‑facing roles.
For corporate or creative roles (marketing, events, IP licensing), companies such as regional travel platforms, theme‑park consultants, and entertainment firms often base teams in Singapore due to its tax regime and connectivity. Networking via LinkedIn, Hong Kong business chambers in Singapore, and industry associations is particularly effective here.
Cost of living: Hong Kong vs Singapore
Both Hong Kong and Singapore are premium global cities, but the composition of costs differs.
- Rent: In 2025, expat rents in central Singapore commonly range around S$3,500–S$6,000 for a 1–2 bedroom condo near the CBD or Orchard Road, depending on age and facilities[1][2].
- Everyday expenses: A typical single expat budget (excluding rent) of roughly S$1,500–S$1,800 a month covers food, transport, mobile, and incidentals[1][3].
- Food: Local hawker meals at places like Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell cost around S$5–S$7, mid‑range restaurants S$15–S$25 per person, while hotel dining on Sentosa can easily exceed S$60 per person[3].
For many Hong Kong Disneyland staff and visitors used to Tung Chung or Lantau pricing, groceries and casual dining in Singapore feel similar or slightly cheaper, but rent and car ownership are often more expensive here. Homejourney recommends building a conservative budget using your current Hong Kong expenses, then adding 10–20% for Singapore housing to stay safe.
Community and social networks
Coming from the tight‑knit Disney HK community, you will find numerous ways to rebuild your network in Singapore:
- Hong Kong and Cantonese groups on Facebook, Telegram, and Meetup organising dim sum gatherings, mahjong nights, and kids’ playdates.
- Industry circles for hospitality, travel, design, and entertainment professions.
- Faith communities and language schools where families often make local friends quickly.
Most expats live within a 5–10 minute walk of an MRT station, so meeting friends around the city is very easy compared with crossing the harbour or going from Lantau into Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.
Property Guide for Expats Coming from Hong Kong Disneyland
What foreigners can buy in Singapore
Singapore law distinguishes between public housing and private property:
- HDB flats – Heavily subsidised public housing. Foreigners who are not Permanent Residents generally cannot buy HDB resale flats directly and cannot buy new BTO flats at all (these are reserved for citizens and eligible PR households).
- Private condominiums & apartments – Open to foreign buyers, including those from Hong Kong. This is the most common route for expat investors.
- Landed property – Foreigners generally require government approval to buy landed residential land in non‑condominium settings (e.g. bungalows, terrace houses). Some strata‑landed units in condo developments may be allowed.
Homejourney’s Projects Directory helps you review private condo projects by location, price history, and developer reputation so you can shortlist options safely before flying in.
ABSD (Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty) for foreigners
Singapore imposes ABSD on property purchases in addition to standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty. Foreigners (including Hong Kong citizens) typically pay a higher ABSD tier than Singapore Citizens and PRs, and recent years have seen several ABSD increases to cool the market.
As ABSD rates can change, always verify current figures on IRAS or with your conveyancing lawyer. Homejourney encourages buyers to get independent legal and tax advice; our role is to provide transparent, up‑to‑date information and tools, not legal opinions.
Popular neighbourhoods for Hong Kong expats
Based on where Hong Kong families and entertainment‑sector workers frequently settle, these Singapore areas often feel most familiar:
- East Coast / Katong – Beachfront lifestyle somewhat reminiscent of Hong Kong’s coastal districts. Popular with families; good access to Changi Airport for quick trips back to Hong Kong.
- River Valley / Orchard / Great World – Central, similar to living near Kowloon Station / IFC in terms of convenience. High‑rise condos with pools and gyms are common.
- HarbourFront / Telok Blangah / Sentosa – Ideal if you love being near attractions like you were at Hong Kong Disneyland. VivoCity, Sentosa’s beaches, and theme‑park‑style attractions are close by.
- Holland Village / Buona Vista – Village feel with strong expat presence, similar community vibes to Discovery Bay in Hong Kong.
To explore current listings safely, use Homejourney’s verified Property Search , filtering by MRT line, school proximity, and budget. Our focus on verified information and user reviews helps you avoid mis‑priced listings or inaccurate photos that can be risky when you are overseas.
Rental market overview for new arrivals
Most Hong Kong Disneyland expats start by renting for 1–2 years to understand neighbourhoods before committing to a purchase. Typical lease terms are:
- Lease length: 1–2 years, sometimes with a diplomatic clause from the 12‑month mark.
- Deposit: Usually 1 month’s rent for a 1‑year lease, 2 months for a 2‑year lease.
- Agent’s fee: Market practice and regulations can change; check CEA guidelines, and Homejourney’s agent directory can connect you with licensed agents only.
