Cost of Living for Teachers with a Master’s in Education in Singapore: 7 Insights

Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial hub with a tropical climate and multicultural population. It’s also a place that’s increasingly attracting educators from around the globe. But what’s the cost of living like for teachers with a Master’s in Education in this vibrant city? Let’s delve into seven key insights to give you a clearer picture.

1. Accommodation Costs

Like any major city, the cost of accommodation in Singapore can vary greatly depending on the location and type of housing. If you’re looking for a private apartment in the city centre, you could be looking at a monthly rent of SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,500. However, if you’re willing to live a bit further out, or in a public housing flat (known as HDB), you could find something for around SGD 1,500 to SGD 2,500.

It’s worth noting that while these prices might seem high, they’re actually quite comparable to other major cities around the world. For example, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre of London is around £1,600, which is roughly SGD 2,900.

2. Food and Dining

Singapore is famous for its food scene, which ranges from affordable hawker centres to high-end restaurants. If you’re eating at hawker centres or food courts, you can expect to spend around SGD 5 to SGD 10 per meal. However, if you prefer to dine at mid-range restaurants, you could be looking at around SGD 20 to SGD 40 per meal.

Again, when compared to other cities, these prices are relatively reasonable. For instance, the average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in New York City is around USD 20, which is approximately SGD 27.

3. Transportation

Public transportation in Singapore is efficient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. A monthly travel pass costs SGD 120, which gives you unlimited travel on buses and trains. If you prefer to take taxis or use ride-hailing services, the average fare is around SGD 10 to SGD 15 for a short trip.

Compared to cities like London, where a monthly travel card costs around £135 (approximately SGD 245), Singapore’s public transportation costs are quite affordable.

4. Utilities

Utilities in Singapore, including electricity, water, and gas, can cost around SGD 150 to SGD 200 per month for a typical apartment. Internet and mobile phone plans are also quite affordable, with prices starting from around SGD 30 per month.

When compared to cities like Sydney, where the average monthly cost of utilities is around AUD 200 (approximately SGD 200), Singapore’s utility costs are on par.

5. Healthcare

Healthcare in Singapore is of a high standard, but it can be quite expensive. However, most employers, including schools, provide health insurance as part of the employment package, which can help to offset these costs.

Out-of-pocket healthcare costs can vary greatly, but to give you an idea, a visit to a general practitioner can cost around SGD 20 to SGD 50. This is comparable to cities like Toronto, where a visit to a doctor can cost around CAD 50 (approximately SGD 52).

6. Leisure and Entertainment

Leisure and entertainment costs in Singapore can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. A movie ticket costs around SGD 13, a gym membership can cost around SGD 100 per month, and a night out can cost anywhere from SGD 50 to SGD 200.

Compared to cities like Paris, where a movie ticket costs around €10 (approximately SGD 16), and a gym membership costs around €50 per month (approximately SGD 80), Singapore’s leisure and entertainment costs are quite comparable.

7. Education

If you’re a teacher with a Master’s in Education, chances are you’re interested in the cost of education in Singapore. International school fees can range from SGD 20,000 to SGD 40,000 per year. However, local schools are much more affordable, with fees ranging from SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000 per year.

Compared to cities like Dubai, where international school fees can range from AED 40,000 to AED 90,000 (approximately SGD 14,000 to SGD 31,000), Singapore’s education costs are on the higher end.

In conclusion, while the cost of living in Singapore can be high, it’s important to remember that salaries for teachers with a Master’s in Education are also generally higher than in many other countries. Additionally, the quality of life in Singapore is very high, with excellent healthcare, education, and public services. So, while it might be more expensive, many would argue that it’s worth it.

Elevate Your Teaching Career in Singapore with The IQTS at UWE

Understanding the cost of living in Singapore is crucial, but so is advancing your teaching career. The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) programme at The IQTS at UWE is designed to help educators like you meet the high standards of international schools. With iQTS, not only can you increase your chances of landing that dream job, but you can also expect a significant boost in your career progression, salary, and professional network. Don’t let the barriers of strict qualifications or feelings of isolation hinder your potential. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your understanding of global education systems and balance professional development with your current commitments. Make Your Next Step towards a fulfilling international teaching career with the iQTS programme.