Moving to Singapore from New York City USA: Expat Guide searches usually come from New Yorkers comparing two intense, global cities and asking one core question: what does it really take to swap Manhattan for Marina Bay, safely and confidently?
As a long-time Singapore resident who works with many US and New York City expats, I’ll walk you through visas, cost of living, housing, and everyday life differences, with practical, verified details so you can plan your move with confidence on Homejourney’s safe, trusted platform.
Life in New York City vs Singapore: What to Expect
Living in New York City means 24/7 energy, dense neighborhoods like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, endless things to do in NYC, and world-famous Manhattan attractions such as Central Park, the High Line, and MoMA.
Singapore feels familiar to New Yorkers in some ways: it’s compact, highly walkable, has a strong subway network (MRT), and a big finance and tech scene—think of it as a cleaner, safer hybrid of Midtown Manhattan and a well-run airport.
The biggest differences most New York City expats notice are:
- Safety: Violent crime is very low; walking home at midnight from Clarke Quay or Tanjong Pagar generally feels safer than late-night walks in many parts of NYC.
- Cleanliness and rules: Strict rules on littering, smoking, and drugs are heavily enforced—this contributes to a very orderly environment.
- Climate: No more NYC winters; Singapore is hot and humid (around 31°C in the day) all year.
- Space: Homes and bedrooms are usually smaller than typical New York City apartments, even in Manhattan.
- Transit vs car: Like NYC, you can live entirely MRT- and Grab-based without ever owning a car.
For readers discovering this via USA travel or NYC tourism content—such as our guides to things to do in NYC and Manhattan attractions Complete Guide to Things to Do in New York City (NYC) – Homejourney Travel & Pro... —this expat guide is your bridge from short visits to serious relocation and property planning.
Relocating to Singapore from NYC: Visas, Jobs, and Costs
Visa and Work Pass Options for US / New York City Expats
US citizens do not need a visa for short tourist visits up to 30 days if basic entry conditions are met, but you do need a work pass to live and work here long term.[2][3]
Key work passes for New York City professionals include:[8][4]
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives. As of 2025, you generally need a minimum fixed monthly salary of about S$5,600 (higher for older or more senior candidates) and to pass the COMPASS points framework that assesses salary, qualifications, diversity contribution, and local hiring support.[8][4]
- S Pass: For mid-level skilled employees; has a lower salary requirement than EP, but is subject to strict company quotas.[8]
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): For high-earning professionals (salary from around S$22,500 per month, subject to change); offers more job flexibility but no path to PR by itself.[6]
Always verify current criteria on the Ministry of Manpower site and use a reputable employer or licensed relocation specialist; regulations and salary thresholds are periodically adjusted.[8]
Employment Opportunities for New York City Professionals
Many New Yorkers move to Singapore with backgrounds in finance, tech, consulting, media, and law. If you’re currently in Manhattan’s financial district, you’ll find similar roles in Raffles Place, Marina Bay, and Shenton Way.
Typical hubs include:
- Marina Bay / Raffles Place: Investment banking, private equity, hedge funds, professional services.
- One-North / Mapletree Business City: Tech, life sciences, digital media, and startups.
- Changi Business Park: Tech ops and regional HQs.
Many large US firms relocate staff from New York City to Singapore, which can simplify work pass approval and relocation support.
Cost of Living: NYC vs Singapore
Broadly, New Yorkers find that:
- Rents: Prime Singapore condos can be comparable or slightly cheaper than Manhattan, but more expensive than some outer borough neighborhoods, depending on size and location.
- Everyday food: Local hawker food (S$4–S$7 per meal) is significantly cheaper than dining out in NYC, while imported groceries and alcohol are more expensive.
- Transport: A monthly adult MRT/bus spend is typically lower than an unlimited MTA pass, especially if you live near your workplace.
- Tax: Singapore’s personal income tax rates are generally lower than US federal + state + city tax combined, but speak to a tax professional about US tax filing and double-taxation issues.
Homejourney’s verified property data and Mortgage Rates bank rates comparison can help you understand how property-related costs fit into your overall budget so you do not rely on rough online averages.
Community and Social Networks
There is a visible US and New York City expat community in Singapore, with clusters in areas like River Valley, Robertson Quay, Holland Village, and Bukit Timah.
Insider tips for quick integration:
- Join interest-based groups (running clubs along the Marina Bay promenade, cycling groups starting at East Coast Park, or yoga studios in Tiong Bahru).
- Look for American and alumni associations (e.g. Ivy League, NYU, Columbia) as many host regular events in the CBD and Orchard areas.
- Explore co-working spaces (WeWork, The Working Capitol, JustCo) to meet other international professionals.
Property in Singapore for New York City Expats
For many who start with USA travel and NYC tourism content, the move to Singapore often evolves into a property and investment question—this is where Homejourney’s trusted, safety-first real estate platform becomes critical.
What Foreigners Can Buy in Singapore
As a non-resident foreigner, you are generally allowed to buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments (including new launches and resale).
- Strata-titled commercial properties and some shophouses, subject to zoning and URA regulations.
You usually cannot buy subsidised public housing (HDB flats) directly unless you become a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) and meet specific eligibility criteria; even then, minimum occupation periods and resale restrictions apply (see HDB for up-to-date rules).
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for Foreigners
Foreign buyers (including US citizens) are subject to Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty when purchasing residential property, with rates periodically adjusted by the government.
Because ABSD policy is updated from time to time, always confirm the latest rates on official IRAS resources or with a qualified conveyancing lawyer before committing to a purchase.
Homejourney’s calculators and currency support for USD and other major currencies help you understand the true, net cost in your home currency before you sign any Option to Purchase.
Popular Neighborhoods for New York City Expats
Based on where New Yorkers tend to feel “at home,” these areas are especially popular:
- River Valley / Robertson Quay: Walkable riverfront, cafes, wine bars—often compared with the calmer parts of the Upper West Side. Great for those who like being 10–15 minutes from the CBD.
- Tiong Bahru: Low-rise art deco blocks, indie cafes, and a neighborhood feel somewhat reminiscent of Brooklyn’s quieter streets.
- Holland Village / Chip Bee Gardens: Expat-friendly, with bars, eateries, and good access to the Circle Line; popular with families and young professionals.
- Orchard / Cairnhill: If you’re used to living near Midtown or Fifth Avenue, Orchard Road’s malls, dining, and central condos may feel familiar.
- East Coast (Katong, Siglap): More laid-back and residential, with access to East Coast Park and the beach; comparable to living further out in Brooklyn or Queens but with seaside access.
Explore current listings and neighborhoods safely using Homejourney’s verified property search
