Room Rental vs Whole Unit Rental in Singapore: 2026 Cost Guide

Utilities and Shared Services

Room renters typically contribute $50–$100 monthly toward utilities (electricity, water, internet), split among residents. Whole unit renters pay $200–$300 monthly for the same services, depending on usage patterns and property size. Condo residents add facility charges: $150–$250 monthly for maintenance, security, and common area upkeep—costs often bundled into condo room rental agreements but itemized separately for whole unit leases.

Security Deposits and Initial Costs

Landlords typically require security deposits equal to 1–2 months' rent for both room and whole unit rentals. A room renter in Tampines deposits $400–$650$2,200–$3,200. Some landlords request additional deposits for furnishings or pet-related damages. Homejourney recommends requesting itemized deposit receipts and clarifying refund timelines—typically 2–4 weeks after lease termination, provided no damage claims apply.

Stamp Duty on Leases

Singapore's Stamp Duties Act requires stamp duty on leases exceeding one year. The rate is 0.4% of annual rent, calculated on the total lease value. A room renter signing a 2-year lease at $500 monthly ($12,000 annually) pays $48 stamp duty$3,000 monthly ($36,000 annually) pays $144. While modest, stamp duty represents an additional upfront cost often overlooked during lease negotiations. Leases under one year incur no stamp duty, making short-term room rentals particularly cost-effective for temporary residents.

Furnishings and Setup Costs

Room rentals often include basic furnishings (bed, wardrobe, desk), reducing setup costs for tenants. Whole units typically arrive unfurnished or partially furnished, requiring tenants to purchase furniture, kitchen appliances, and household items—costs ranging $2,000–$8,000 depending on preferences. Budget-conscious renters should prioritize fully-furnished room rentals to minimize initial expenditure.

Cost Comparison by Tenant Profile

Optimal rental choices depend on individual circumstances, income levels, and lifestyle priorities. Homejourney's analysis identifies clear cost advantages for different tenant profiles.

Young Professionals and Students

Monthly budgets of $1,000–$1,500 strongly favor room rentals. A junior professional earning $3,500 monthly can comfortably afford a $600 HDB room (17% of income), adhering to prudent housing-cost ratios. The same professional renting a whole unit at $2,500+ would spend 71% of gross income on rent—financially unsustainable. Room rentals near MRT stations (Tampines, Eunos, Geylang) offer optimal value, with 10–15 minute commutes to CBD offices via direct MRT lines.

Families and Multi-Occupancy Households

Families with children require dedicated bedrooms, separate living spaces, and kitchen facilities—criteria only whole units satisfy. While monthly costs exceed room rentals by $1,500–$3,000+, the per-person cost decreases with household size. A family of four in a $3,200 Tampines 3-room HDB pays $800 per person

Expats and Short-Term Residents

Expats on 1–2 year assignments benefit from room rentals' flexibility and lower financial commitment. A $1,200 condo master room with 12-month lease incurs minimal stamp duty and requires only $1,200–$2,400 deposit, versus $5,000–$7,000 for whole unit deposits. Furnished condo rooms near expat hubs (Orchard, Marina Bay, Bukit Timah) eliminate furniture costs and offer community access—valuable for international professionals unfamiliar with Singapore.