Moving to Singapore from Qatar on a budget is absolutely possible if you plan early, understand key cost drivers, and use trusted platforms like Homejourney to compare housing, banking, and everyday expenses transparently.
This Moving to Singapore from Qatar Budget: Save Money: Expat Guide is a focused companion to our main Singapore relocation pillar guide . Here, we zoom in on the specific needs of Qatar-based expats, investors and budget-conscious movers who still want a safe, comfortable lifestyle in Singapore.
Life in Qatar vs Budget Life in Singapore
If you are used to an affordable Qatar lifestyle with tax-free income and relatively low fuel and utility costs, Singapore will feel more expensive, but also more walkable, green and convenient.
In Doha, you may be used to large villas in compounds, driving everywhere, and generous housing allowances. In Singapore, most expats live in apartments (condos or HDBs), rely on MRT and buses, and walk easily between malls, hawker centres, and parks.
Recent expat data shows a typical single expat in Singapore spends about S$3,500–S$6,000 per month, mainly driven by rent and schooling choices.[5] In my experience living near Tanjong Pagar MRT, the biggest shock for new arrivals from Qatar is rent, followed by restaurant prices—yet everyday meals at hawker centres, public transport and most public healthcare remain relatively good value.
If you have already followed our Homejourney Qatar Budget Travel Guide: Save Money in Doha Homejourney Qatar Budget Travel Guide: Save Money in Doha and other Qatar budget resources like Best Food & Cheap Restaurants in Qatar on a Budget Best Food & Cheap Restaurants in Qatar on a Budget | Homejourney , you are already used to stretching your riyals. The same mindset will help you save money when you move to Singapore.
Visa, Work Passes and Budget-Smart Relocation from Qatar
Before thinking about rentals, you must secure the right to live and work in Singapore. For most professionals moving from Doha, this means:
- Employment Pass (EP) – for professionals, managers, executives; minimum qualifying salary that scales with experience.
- S Pass – for mid-level skilled staff with a lower salary threshold but quotas and levies for employers.
- Dependent’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass – for spouse and children of eligible EP/S Pass holders.
Always verify latest criteria on the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) site before making decisions, as salary and points requirements change regularly.
Budget tip from experience: Many Qatar-based expats fly in on a short visit using a Singapore tourist visa (or visa-free entry if eligible), then complete interviews in person. If you do this, avoid booking long-term accommodation until your pass is approved—use short-term serviced apartments or extended-stay hotels near MRT lines like Outram Park or Bugis to keep transport costs low.
Cost of Living: Qatar vs Singapore (Budget View)
While Doha wins on space and fuel, Singapore is safer for pedestrians, has world-class public transport, and offers many low-cost local food options.
- Rent: It is common to spend 35–50% of your net income on rent in Singapore if you want a central condo. To stick to a Qatar budget mindset, consider non-prime but well-connected areas like Paya Lebar, Queenstown, Woodlands or Tampines.
- Daily food: Hawker centre meals range around S$4–S$7 per dish. A family that regularly chooses hawker food over restaurants can save hundreds of dollars every month.
- Transport: Most expats find they do not need a car; between MRT, buses, and ride-hailing for late nights, your commuting budget can be far below car ownership in Qatar.
Use Homejourney’s verified cost breakdowns and project insights Projects Directory to map your expected Singapore monthly budget before committing to a lease.
Buying and Renting Property as a Qatar Expat in Singapore
The biggest financial commitment when moving to Singapore from Qatar is usually housing. Homejourney places user safety first by verifying listings and partners, so you avoid scams or misleading information when you are still in Doha.
Types of Property Foreigners Can Buy
As a non-resident foreigner from Qatar, you can generally buy:
- Private condominiums and apartments – no special approval needed.
- Executive Condominiums (ECs) – usually only after they reach 10 years old, when they become fully privatised.
To buy landed property (e.g. terrace, semi-detached, bungalow) or certain strata landed homes, you typically need approval from the Singapore Land Authority, and approval is not guaranteed.
Important: HDB flats are generally not available for direct purchase by non-resident foreigners, so most Qatar expats focus on the condo market or long-term rental first.
ABSD and Taxes for Foreign Buyers (Budget Warning)
Singapore imposes Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on foreign buyers on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty. As a Qatari citizen or Qatar-based foreigner without Singapore PR, you will likely fall under the “foreigner” ABSD tier, which is very substantial and can dramatically affect your Qatar budget assumptions.
Because ABSD rates are periodically revised, always confirm the latest numbers on IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore) before committing. On a S$2 million condo, ABSD can easily add hundreds of thousands of dollars, so this is not the place to guess.
Homejourney’s bank rates and mortgage guide Bank Rates helps you model scenarios transparently, including ABSD, BSD, legal fees and interest so you can compare buy vs rent in a clear, safe way.
Budget-Friendly Rental Neighbourhoods for Qatar Expats
From experience working with Gulf expats, the most popular and relatively budget-friendly districts include:
- East Coast / Katong (Districts 15–16): Good value compared to CBD, sea breeze, close to East Coast Park. 25–35 minutes by bus or MRT to Raffles Place.
- Queenstown / Redhill: Older but well-connected estates just a few stops from the city. You get a local feel without paying Orchard prices.
- Woodlands / Yishun: Ideal if you prioritise space and greenery over proximity to CBD. Rents are lower, and you still have full MRT access.
You can search safely-filtered listings customised for your budget with Homejourney’s property search tool Property Search . Use the filters for monthly rent, distance to MRT, and school proximity to mirror the compound-style convenience you may enjoyed in Doha, but at Singapore scale.
How Much Does Moving and Setup Cost?
If you are shipping from Doha to Singapore, international moving companies can charge several thousand dollars, depending on volume. Once in Singapore, a typical local move (e.g. from a serviced apartment into your long-term condo) can range from about S$250–S$400 for a small 1–2 room HDB flat up to S$800–S$1,500 or more for larger homes.[1][2]
You should also budget S$500–S$2,000 for post-move setup like utilities, minor furniture, and basic aircon servicing.[1] Homejourney partners with trusted home service providers; for example, you can book verified aircon services Aircon Services to keep your unit efficient, safe and mould-free in Singapore’s humidity.
Practical Settling-In Guide for Qatar Expats on a Budget
Banking, Currency and Remittances
Most expats open an account with major banks like DBS, OCBC or UOB. You will typically need your passport, employment pass (or in-principle approval letter), and proof of address.
To manage your Qatar budget in Singapore dollars, pay attention to FX spreads and transfer fees when converting QAR to SGD. Instead of ad-hoc remittances, many expats set up a schedule that takes advantage of better mid-market rates.
Homejourney’s multi-currency and budget tools help you benchmark property prices, rent, and renovation costs directly in QAR, so you always know how much you are really spending versus your Doha baseline.
