Whether you’re a DINK couple waiting for your BTO flat, a young adult just wanting a sweet taste of independence or a young family wanting to budget right for your dream home, renting in Singapore can feel like walking a tightrope. We all want a nice place to call home, affordable rent and a non-nightmare landlord, but these mostly come with a price.
We break down how much rent you should be paying based on your income in Singapore so you can keep a roof over your head and indulge in your matcha lattes without all that guilt.
Your rent should be no more than 30% of your monthly salary
Ask around, and most second-time tenants, financial experts, and even your mother will tell you not to spend more than 30% of your monthly salary on rent. And no, we’re not talking about gross salary, we’re talking about the final amount you get to take home after all that CPF is deducted.
Image credit: Singapore Property – Rental
That means, if you earn S$4,000/month after CPF, a reasonable rent would be 30% of that, which is around S$1,200. If your income falls below S$6,000, you probably shouldn’t be looking at single-room rentals or living solo unless you’re okay with tight budgeting.
Image credit: Singapore Property – Rental
On the bright side, a quick search on property rental Facebook groups surfaced a couple of decent deals on single rooms at reasonable prices.
A 30% rent cap might not give you much breathing room, but it’s a solid reality check that helps narrow down the kind of homes to look for – think shared flats or room rentals, not that dreamy studio in Tanjong Pagar.
| Salary after CPF | 30% rent budget | 40% rent budget |
| $4,000 | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| $6,000 | $1,800 | $2,400 |
| $10,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 |
This keeps you in a safe zone where you can still afford meals, transport, occasional indulgences, and some savings.
Can I stretch the budget to 40% or exceed it?
Some flexibility exists, especially if you’re earning more. Spending up to 40% of your income on rent is still considered okay if the rest of your finances are in good shape.
Higher earners, such as those with a net income of S$10,000/month, can more comfortably manage rent between $3,000-$4,000. This makes options like condos with amenities or prime locations more viable. Just be sure you’re not sacrificing essentials like savings, insurance, or daily living expenses in the process.
Image credit: Reddit
Do you always have to stick to the rule? Not necessarily. On the flip side, going over 40% might be risky unless you’re a homebody who doesn’t like to dine out or travel too much. In a thread titled “Is it common to spend nearly half your salary on rent in SG? ($3k on $7k)“, a redditor adds that you should also consider the value and joy your desired rental place brings you.
Ultimately, you’d feel terrible paying money to live in a space you hate.
What are rental prices like in Singapore in 2025?
Rental prices in Singapore can vary wildly depending on the size of the flat, location, and type of property. Here’s a breakdown of typical rates based on current listings (as of mid-2025):
- HDB rooms: S$550–S$1,200/month
- 2-room and 3-room HDB flats: S$1,800–S$2,300/month
- 4-room and 5-room HDB flats: $2,500–$3,200
- Condo (city-fringe): $3,000–$4,200
- Condo (prime districts): $5,000–$6,500
If you’ve been dreaming of a solo condo life near town with a pool, gym, and concierge, be prepared to shell out the equivalent of a high 5-figure income. Some newer or centrally located developments even push S$7,000+ for 2-bedders, especially in districts 9, 10, and 11.
According to 99.co and PropertyGuru, rental prices rose by around 8–12% year-on-year from 2023 to 2024, fuelled by delays in BTO completions, expat return, and reduced supply of available units. While the pace has slowed slightly in 2025, prices remain high, especially in mature estates and near key amenities.
Ultimately, rent will be one of—if not the—biggest monthly expenses you’ll incur if you decide to jump into renting. Plan your finances well, and don’t forget to leave some space in your wallet for the little joys in life.
Read our other rent-related articles here:
- Living in a PPHS with $400/month rent
- Hidden costs that come with renting
- Best rental tips before you sign your lease
Cover image adapted from: The Local INN.terior
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