Moving to Singapore from Toronto: Expat Property & Lifestyle Guide | Homejourney

Moving to Singapore from Toronto Canada: Expat Guide readers will find that relocating from Lake Ontario to the Lion City is absolutely doable with the right planning, clear visa strategy, and a realistic housing budget—and Homejourney is built to make that transition safer, more transparent, and less stressful for you.

This focused guide sits under our main Singapore relocation and property pillar , and is written specifically for Torontonians who know the TTC, PATH and things to do in Toronto by heart, but now want to understand work passes, MRT lines, and which Singapore neighbourhoods feel most like Midtown or the Annex.

Life in Toronto vs Singapore: What Changes When You Move?

As someone who has spent winters in Toronto and many years living in Singapore, the first big contrast you will feel is climate and daily rhythm.

Toronto offers four distinct seasons, hockey culture, and weekends around High Park or the Toronto Islands, but also long commutes on icy days and a very high housing cost—average home prices in Toronto have hovered around the CAD 1–1.2 million range in recent years, making ownership difficult for many expats and locals alike.[2]

Singapore, by contrast, is hot and humid year-round with temperatures around 27–33°C, but you gain remarkable day-to-day convenience: air-conditioned MRT stations, covered walkways, and shopping malls integrated directly with train interchanges.

Both cities are diverse and safe, but Singapore’s crime rates are materially lower, and public spaces are heavily regulated and cleaned—something most Toronto visitors notice the first time they step out of Changi Airport and onto the MRT.

If you are still exploring Canada travel content before your move, you can cross-reference this guide with our Toronto resources—like things to do in Toronto, best restaurants and family attractions—at Complete Guide to Things to Do in Toronto Canada | Homejourney , Best Food & Restaurants in Toronto Canada: Homejourney Guide , Toronto Canada with Kids: Family Travel Guide | Homejourney and Budget Travel Guide to Toronto Canada: Homejourney Singapore Edition .

Relocating from Toronto to Singapore: Visas, Jobs & Cost of Living

Visa and Work Pass Options for Canadians

Canadians do not get automatic work rights in Singapore; you will need a valid work pass approved by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers and executives with a qualifying monthly salary (often above SGD 5,000–6,000, higher for mid-career) and acceptable qualifications. Employers usually apply on your behalf.
S Pass: For mid-skilled staff with a lower salary threshold than EP but subject to quotas and levies.
ONE Pass / Tech.Pass: For very high-earning or specialised talent; useful for senior finance, tech, and startup profiles (common among Toronto Bay Street or downtown tech professionals).
Dependent’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass: For legally married spouses and children of main pass holders.

Always confirm eligibility and updated salary criteria on the official MOM website before making decisions, as regulations change regularly. This guide is not immigration advice; for complex cases, engage a licensed immigration professional.

Employment Opportunities: From Bay Street to Raffles Place

Many Torontonians moving to Singapore work in sectors such as banking, insurance, asset management, tech, consulting, and higher education.

In practical terms, Raffles Place, Marina Bay and Tanjong Pagar function like the Singapore equivalent of Toronto’s Financial District, while one-north and Changi Business Park host tech, R&D and digital roles that will feel familiar if you’ve worked in Toronto’s King West tech corridor.

Most expats secure an offer before moving, though some arrive on a short visit (typically up to 30 days visa-free for Canadians for tourism) to attend interviews—do note that you cannot legally work on a tourist visit.

Cost of Living: Toronto vs Singapore

Toronto is already one of Canada’s most expensive cities, especially for housing and childcare.[2] Singapore can feel similar or higher overall, but the cost structure is different.

Housing: Central rentals in Singapore (e.g. Orchard, River Valley) can rival or exceed central Toronto condo rents, but outlying areas on MRT lines (Punggol, Woodlands, Pasir Ris) can be more affordable than a comparable downtown Toronto apartment.
Transport: The MRT and buses are significantly cheaper and more reliable than driving, and you may not need a car at all—unlike suburban Toronto.
Food: Hawker meals (SGD 4–8) are far cheaper than restaurant dining in Toronto, while alcohol and imported groceries cost more.
Tax: Personal income tax rates are generally lower in Singapore than in Canada, but consult a qualified tax advisor familiar with both systems.

Use Homejourney’s tools to benchmark potential rental or purchase budgets against your current Toronto costs, and always include ongoing expenses such as utilities, aircon servicing Aircon Services , and condo maintenance fees.

Property in Singapore for Expats from Toronto

What Foreigners Can Buy (and Not Buy)

Singapore’s property rules distinguish between citizens, permanent residents (PRs) and foreigners; as a new arrival from Toronto you will almost certainly be treated as a foreigner for housing purposes.

HDB flats: Foreigners generally cannot buy public Housing & Development Board (HDB) resale flats, except in very narrow cases (e.g. if you become a PR and meet additional conditions). Check the latest rules on the HDB website.
Private condos and apartments: Foreigners can freely buy most non-landed private properties, including new launches and resale condos.
Landed property: Landed houses (e.g. terrace, semi-detached, bungalow) are normally restricted for foreigners and require special approval from the Land Dealings Approval Unit (LDAU).

These restrictions are strictly enforced; always refer to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and HDB for official guidance before committing.

ABSD and Other Buyer Taxes for Canadians

Foreign buyers in Singapore must pay Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) on top of standard Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) when purchasing residential property.

ABSD rates are periodically revised, and foreigners currently face one of the highest tiers, so this can add a very substantial amount to your purchase cost. Because rates and rules change, always confirm the latest ABSD and BSD figures on the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) site or through a qualified solicitor before you sign any Option to Purchase.

Homejourney’s property calculators and financing guides Bank Rates help you model scenarios in both Singapore dollars and Canadian dollars, so you can see clearly how ABSD affects your net yield or long-term affordability.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats from Toronto

From years of helping North American clients, some areas repeatedly stand out for Torontonians because they balance greenery, transit access and good international schools.

River Valley / Robertson Quay: Think of this as a blend of downtown convenience and waterfront serenity, much like living between Toronto’s Harbourfront and King West. You get easy access to CBD offices via Clarke Quay or Fort Canning MRT, and the Singapore River provides a car-lite, walkable lifestyle.
Orchard / Newton: Central high-rise living with malls and medical facilities within walking distance—similar to living near Yonge & Bloor but with tropical greenery and year-round pool access.
Bukit Timah: Low-rise condos, landed homes and proximity to top international and local schools; many families from Toronto’s midtown or North York gravitate here for the greenery and trails along the Rail Corridor.
Holland Village / Queenstown: Popular with younger expats and families who want café culture, short commutes to one-north, and quieter residential streets.
Woodlands: A more suburban option with large condos and easy access to the Causeway into Malaysia; several Canadian families like the space and school options here, and it can feel familiar if you’re used to the GTA suburbs.[4]

Use Homejourney’s property search Property Search and projects directory Projects Directory to filter by MRT line, school proximity, and verified listing details. Every listing on Homejourney is screened to reduce scams and misrepresentation, in line with our safety-first mission.