The Verdict
Living in New York is 17% more expensive than Singapore.
If you move from New York to Singapore, you will pay less for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a £40,000 salary in New York, you would need to earn about £34,560 in Singapore.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love New York:
Why people love Singapore:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on London baseline prices
| Expense | New York | Singapore | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city centre) | £3,600 | £2,700 | £-900 |
| Monthly groceries | £368 | £298 | £-70 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | £288 | £188 | £-100 |
| Public transport pass | £152 | £128 | £-24 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | £198 | £171 | £-27 |
| Total Monthly | £4,605 | £3,484 | £-1,121 |
* Estimates based on London = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want higher earning potential (£4,345/mo avg)
- Want lower overall living costs (17% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Singapore to match a New York salary
| Salary in New York | Equivalent in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| £30,000 | £25,920 | £4,080 less |
| £40,000 | £34,560 | £5,440 less |
| £50,000 | £43,200 | £6,800 less |
| £60,000 | £51,840 | £8,160 less |
| £80,000 | £69,120 | £10,880 less |
| £100,000 | £86,400 | £13,600 less |
New York vs Singapore: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 17%. Singapore is the more affordable option.
Rent: New York has a rent index of 180, while Singapore has 135.
Average Salaries: New York: £4,345/month vs Singapore: £3,835/month (both in GBP).
Out of 6 categories, New York wins 0, while Singapore wins 6.
Compare more cities or calculate your UK take-home pay.