Singapore is small, efficient, and, let’s be honest, expensive. Housing is one of the biggest expenses for anyone living here, and expats often find themselves caught between the absurdity of luxury condos and the stark reality of budget limitations.
The good news? There are affordable options, but don’t expect them to fall into your lap.
Where to Look for Rentals
Not all rental platforms are created equal. Some cater to high-end expats with ridiculous listings, while others actually offer decent deals.
- PropertyGuru & 99.co – Good starting points but expect inflated prices.
- Facebook Groups – Surprisingly useful, but be ready to sift through scams and overpriced listings.
- Word of Mouth – Talk to people. Many landlords don’t even bother listing online.
- Real Estate Agents – Not essential, but can save you time if you don’t want to deal with landlords directly.
- Carousell Property – Lesser known but has hidden gems from individual landlords.
- Gumtree Singapore – A classifieds site that occasionally has affordable rental listings.
In addition to traditional platforms, exploring new developments like Parktown Residence can yield promising rental options.
Where Expats Can Find Affordable Housing
1. HDB Flats – The Practical Choice
Public housing in Singapore, known as HDB flats, isn’t just for locals. While expats can’t buy one, they can certainly rent.
- Why it’s affordable: HDB flats are significantly cheaper than condos.
- What to expect: No fancy facilities, no infinity pools. But you get functional living spaces in well-connected neighborhoods.
- Where to look: Older estates like Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, or Bedok offer lower rental prices.
- Rental range: A whole 3-room HDB can go for SGD 2,500–3,500, depending on location.
- Who it’s for: Expats who prioritize cost savings over luxury.
Another advantage of HDB flats is the presence of local markets and hawker centers nearby, offering affordable food options that help keep living costs low.
For those looking at an even lower budget, renting a single room in an HDB flat instead of an entire unit can reduce costs significantly, sometimes as low as SGD 800–1,500 per month.
HDBs also provide great accessibility to public transport networks. MRT stations and bus stops are often within walking distance, making daily commutes more convenient and cost-effective.
2. Condos on a Budget – If You Insist on a Pool
If you must have a pool, a gym, and a security guard who ignores your existence, then condos are your best bet. But you’ll need to be smart about location and size.
How to save:
Go for older condos. They may lack modern aesthetics, but they’re cheaper and often have bigger units. Consider non-CBD areas. Places like Pasir Ris, Sengkang, and Woodlands offer lower rental prices. But most importantly, negotiate. Landlords expect it, and it’s foolish not to try.
- Rental range ─ SGD 3,500–5,000 for a modest 2-bedroom unit in a non-prime area.
- Who it’s for ─ Expats who need amenities but can sacrifice central locations.
Some budget-conscious expats also choose to share a condo unit with other tenants to split the rental cost. This arrangement allows access to premium facilities without breaking the bank.
For those keen on condos but wary of rental prices, looking into developments outside of prime districts like Bukit Panjang or Choa Chu Kang can yield more affordable options.
3. Co-Living Spaces – The “Adult Dorm” Experience
Not willing to drop thousands on a rental? Then co-living might be the answer. It’s a glorified version of renting a room, except you get fully furnished spaces, cleaning services, and an instant social network.
- Why it’s affordable: Rent covers utilities, furniture, and sometimes even coffee and snacks.
- What to expect: Shared kitchens, smaller rooms, and “community bonding” activities (read: awkward small talk with strangers).
- Where to find it: Companies like Hmlet, Cove, and Lyf offer options across Singapore.
- Rental range: SGD 1,200–2,500 for a private room.
- Who it’s for: Expats who don’t mind shared spaces and are too busy (or lazy) to furnish an apartment.
Co-living spaces are also ideal for networking, especially for younger professionals or digital nomads looking to meet like-minded people. Plus, there’s often no need for long lease commitments, making it a flexible option.
Some co-living spaces offer themed experiences, catering to specific lifestyles, such as wellness-focused communities or those aimed at creative professionals.
4. Landed Houses
Think landed properties in Singapore are only for millionaires? Not necessarily. Some landlords convert larger houses into rental units, meaning you can get a spacious room or even a section of a house for much less than a condo.
- Why it’s affordable: You’re not paying for condo facilities, just the space.
- What to expect: Bigger rooms, sometimes private outdoor spaces, but usually in non-central areas.
- Where to find it: Serangoon, Bukit Timah, and Katong often have such options.
- Rental range: SGD 2,500–4,000 for a good-sized unit in a shared house.
- Who it’s for: Expats looking for space without the high-rise hassle.
Shared landed property units often offer better privacy compared to co-living spaces while still providing a more affordable alternative to condo rentals.
If outdoor space is a priority, some of these homes come with access to gardens or patios—luxuries rarely found in high-rise living.
Tips to Keep Costs Down
Even in one of the priciest cities in the world, there are ways to keep rent manageable.
- Avoid central areas – Marina Bay, Orchard, and River Valley will drain your bank account fast.
- Look for direct landlord listings – Agents charge a commission, and some landlords hike prices to cover it.
- Be flexible with unit age – Older places cost less. If you can handle outdated tiles, you’ll save money.
- Consider longer leases – Landlords sometimes offer discounts for 2-year contracts.
- Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate – Many rental prices are set with negotiation in mind.
- Furnish your own place – Renting an unfurnished unit can often save you money in the long run.
- Check for rental promotions – Some landlords offer free months of rent to attract tenants.
- Consider a roommate – Sharing a unit, whether an HDB or condo, can cut costs significantly.
Final Thoughts
Affordable housing in Singapore exists. You just have to be willing to compromise, research, and—most importantly—stop expecting to live in a high-rise condo in the city center for cheap.
If you’re smart about it, you’ll find a decent place without burning through your salary in the first month. Good luck.
