Singapore
Profiled in Singapore · East Asia
A hot, green, hyper-efficient island city where hawker stalls and glass towers share the same block and everything just works.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Hawker food is cheap, but rent and cars are brutal.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Singapore
- Gardens by the BayFuturistic Supertrees and cooled conservatories on the waterfront.
- Marina Bay SandsThe iconic three-tower hotel with the ship-shaped rooftop.
- Singapore Botanic GardensA UNESCO-listed tropical park with a world-class orchid collection.
- Sentosa IslandBeaches, theme parks and cable cars just off the south coast.
- ChinatownTemples, shophouses and food streets packed into old lanes.
- Little IndiaColourful, loud and fragrant, best explored on foot.
- Singapore ZooOpen-concept enclosures widely rated among the best zoos anywhere.
- Merlion ParkThe lion-fish statue with the classic Marina Bay skyline view.
- National Gallery SingaporeSoutheast Asian art housed in two grand colonial buildings.
- Haji LaneA narrow street of murals, indie boutiques and hip cafes in Kampong Glam.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Bintan, IndonesiaBeach resorts a short ferry ride south, popular for a quick getaway.
- Batam, IndonesiaCheap spa and seafood escape, about an hour by fast ferry.
- Johor Bahru, MalaysiaJust over the causeway for shopping, food and a different pace.
- Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaMalaysian capital under an hour by plane, big city buzz and cheaper prices.
- Bali, IndonesiaA two-and-a-half hour flight to beaches, rice terraces and surf.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Ya Kun Kaya ToastThe classic spot for kaya toast, soft eggs and kopi.
- Tiong Bahru BakeryBeloved for its croissants and calm neighbourhood vibe.
- PS.CafeLeafy, upscale hangout with several locations across the island.
- Chye Seng Huat HardwareA former hardware shop turned serious specialty coffee roaster.
- Common Man Coffee RoastersRobertson Quay favourite for brunch and a proper flat white.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Jumbo SeafoodThe go-to for chilli crab on the East Coast.
- Long Beach SeafoodLong-running home of the original black pepper crab.
- Newton Food CentreBuzzy hawker centre famous for satay and BBQ stingray.
- Lau Pa SatA historic cast-iron market hall turned lively food court.
- Din Tai FungReliable, always-busy stop for xiao long bao dumplings.
- CandlenutMichelin-starred Peranakan cooking done with polish.
- OdetteRefined modern French tasting menus, a fine-dining benchmark.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Tong Ah Eating HouseOld-school kopitiam beloved for its crisp kaya toast.
- Killiney KopitiamOne of the oldest traditional coffee shops in town.
- Wimbly LuCosy Serangoon Gardens spot known for waffles and chocolate.
- The PopulusTanjong Pagar cafe with a solid all-day brunch menu.
- SymmetryAustralian-style brunch tucked near Bugis.
- Wild HoneyAll-day international breakfasts served across two locations.
- Maxwell Food CentreHawker centre famous for Tian Tian chicken rice from morning on.
- Toast BoxDependable chain for kaya toast sets and thick kopi.
- Chin Mee Chin ConfectioneryHeritage Katong bakery known for its buns and kaya toast.
Residency
Most newcomers arrive on an Employment Pass tied to a job, and self-employed founders can look at the EntrePass or the high-bar Global Investor Programme. Permanent residence is possible after time on a pass but approvals are selective and far from guaranteed.
Tax
Personal income tax is progressive and low by global standards, topping out at 24 percent, with no capital gains tax. There is no tax on most foreign income for individuals, though residency status affects your exact rate.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Singapore residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Singapore tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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