The Verdict
Living in San Francisco is 3% cheaper than Singapore.
If you move from San Francisco to Singapore, you will pay more for housing and less for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in San Francisco, you would need to earn about $77,143 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 San Francisco:
Why people love Singapore:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | San Francisco | Singapore | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $3,850 | $4,725 | +$875 |
| Monthly groceries | $459 | $383 | $-76 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $368 | $263 | $-105 |
| Public transport pass | $124 | $104 | $-20 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $196 | $190 | $-6 |
| Total Monthly | $4,996 | $5,664 | +$668 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (3% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Prioritize safety (score: 68/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($7,000/mo avg)
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Work in tech or startups
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in Singapore to match a San Francisco salary
| Salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,429 | $1,429 more |
| $75,000 | $77,143 | $2,143 more |
| $100,000 | $102,857 | $2,857 more |
| $125,000 | $128,571 | $3,571 more |
| $150,000 | $154,286 | $4,286 more |
| $200,000 | $205,714 | $5,714 more |
San Francisco vs Singapore: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 3%. San Francisco is the more affordable option.
Rent: San Francisco has a rent index of 110, while Singapore has 135.
Average Salaries: San Francisco: $7,000/month vs Singapore: $3,835/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, San Francisco wins 2, while Singapore wins 4.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.