Condo Rental (Most Common for Expats)

Core Central Region (CCR)

(Orchard, River Valley, Marina Bay, Tanjong Pagar)

1-Bedroom: SGD $3,800 – $5,500
2-Bedroom: SGD $5,500 – $8,500
3-Bedroom: SGD $8,000 – $15,000+

👉 Popular with banking, finance, tech expats
👉 Walking distance to CBD
👉 Smaller units but premium location

Rest of Central Region (RCR)

(Tiong Bahru, Queenstown, East Coast, Alexandra)

1-Bedroom: SGD $3,000 – $4,200
2-Bedroom: SGD $4,500 – $6,500
3-Bedroom: SGD $6,000 – $9,000

👉 Best value for expats
👉 10–20 mins to CBD
👉 Family-friendly

Outside Central Region (OCR)

(Woodlands, Tampines, Jurong, Punggol)

1-Bedroom: SGD $2,400 – $3,200
2-Bedroom: SGD $3,500 – $5,000
3-Bedroom: SGD $4,500 – $6,500

👉 More space
👉 Popular with families
👉 Longer commute

 

HDB Flats (Budget Option)

Foreigners can only rent whole units (not buy).

3-Room (2 bed): SGD $2,800 – $3,500
4-Room (3 bed): SGD $3,200 – $4,200
5-Room: SGD $3,800 – $4,800

👉 Most affordable full-unit option
👉 Larger layout
👉 No pool / gym facilities

 

Landed Property (High-End Families)

Terrace / Semi-D: SGD $8,000 – $18,000
Bungalow / GCB: SGD $25,000 – $80,000+

👉 Popular with senior executives
👉 More space, privacy
👉 International school proximity (Bukit Timah, Holland)

 

Additional Costs to Budget

Item	Cost
Security Deposit	1 month per year of lease (2-year lease = 2 months)
Agent Fee	Usually landlord pays (tenant sometimes shares)
Utilities	$150 – $400/month
Internet	$40 – $60/month
Stamp Duty	~0.4% of total rent value

2026 Market Trend

• Rental market has softened slightly compared to 2023 peak
• Landlords still firm in CCR
• Supply improving due to new completions
• Negotiation possible for 2-year leases

What Most Expats Actually Pay (Reality)

• Single professional in condo near MRT: $3.2k – $4.5k
• Couple in 2-bed near CBD: $5k – $6.5k
• Family with kids (3-bed condo): $6.5k – $9k

Final Thoughts

Renting in Singapore as an expat in 2026 ultimately comes down to balancing location, lifestyle, and budget. Whether you prefer the convenience of city living, the value of city-fringe neighbourhoods, or the space offered in suburban estates, there are options across every price tier. While rents remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, the market has stabilised, and tenants now have slightly more room to negotiate—especially on longer leases. With proper planning, clear priorities, and a realistic budget, finding a comfortable and well-located home in Singapore is entirely achievable.