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If you’re an international teacher preparing to move to Singapore for the new academic year, you’re in for an exciting adventure. Singapore is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and efficient cities in the world, offering an exceptional quality of life, world-class public transport, and endless opportunities for exploration. However, when it comes to settling in, there are some key tips to help you make smart decisions—especially when it comes to housing, lifestyle choices, and managing your budget effectively.
1. Don’t Commit to Housing Before You Arrive
One of the most common mistakes new expats make is securing an apartment before even setting foot in Singapore. While the idea of having your home sorted in advance may seem comforting, nothing beats physically visiting properties to get a true feel for the space, the neighbourhood, and the commute.
Most schools will provide temporary accommodation—usually a hotel—for your initial arrival. Use this time wisely. Explore different areas, take note of the commute to your school, and understand how public transport connects you to the rest of the city. Singapore is compact and easy to navigate, so there’s no need to rush. You’ll find that taking your time leads to better decisions and more satisfying living arrangements.
Your school may also connect you with an estate agent to assist in finding accommodation. While this can be helpful, remember that agents work on commission—they’re often keen to get you into a property as quickly as possible. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision before you’re ready. Make the agent work for you: be clear about your needs, take your time, and don’t hesitate to stay in your temporary accommodation a little longer if needed. The short-term expense of an extra week or two in a hotel will be insignificant compared to the money you’ll save over the course of your rental contract by choosing the right home.
2. Proximity to Public Transport: The Smart Way to Save
Singapore’s public transport system is nothing short of exceptional. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network is fast, reliable, and covers most of the island. However, living right next to an MRT station often comes with a premium price tag.
A smart alternative? Look for properties along major roads with frequent bus services. On many of Singapore’s main roads, buses come every minute or so, meaning you won’t even need to check a timetable. You’ll quickly become familiar with the bus numbers that serve your route, and there’s rarely a long wait.
When choosing a place to live, also consider the importance of covered walkways. Singapore’s tropical climate means intense heat and sudden downpours are common. Finding a property with covered walkways leading to nearby bus stops or MRT stations will make your daily commute far more comfortable. Imagine stepping from your apartment into a shaded walkway, hopping onto an air-conditioned bus, then transferring seamlessly to an air-conditioned MRT—life becomes incredibly easy.
While a 10-minute walk to transport might seem manageable on paper, it can feel much longer in Singapore’s heat and humidity. Prioritising proximity to well-connected bus stops with good shelter is a smart move for both comfort and convenience.
3. Rethink the ‘Condo Lifestyle’
Many expats are drawn to condominiums (condos) with luxurious facilities like swimming pools, gyms, and BBQ pits. While these perks sound appealing, ask yourself: Will I really use them enough to justify the cost?
Condos often come with hefty rental prices, and it’s easy to find yourself spending an extra $20,000 to $35,000 SGD per year for amenities you might rarely use. Instead, consider renting an HDB (Housing & Development Board) flat. These government-built apartments are modern, spacious, and often located in vibrant neighbourhoods with local shops, food courts, and markets just a short walk away.
You could easily find a three-bedroom, two-bathroom HDB flat for around $3,500 SGD per month, including air conditioning throughout. This is significantly cheaper than an equivalent condo and offers excellent value for money.
Plus, with Singapore’s abundance of gyms, top-class public swimming complexes, and beautiful parks, you won’t miss out on an active lifestyle. Many gyms are located within walking distance of residential areas, and public sports facilities are affordable and well-maintained.
4. Get Out and Explore Before You Decide
Before signing a lease, take the time to explore the neighbourhoods you’re considering. Walk around during different times of day to get a feel for the area. Test your commute to work—don’t just rely on Google Maps. See what amenities are nearby, like grocery stores, coffee shops, gyms, parks, and food courts.
One of the great things about living in Singapore is its remarkable safety. Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, Singapore offers peace of mind whether you’re walking home late at night, commuting on public transport, or living in a bustling neighbourhood. This level of safety extends across both upscale condos and HDB estates, giving you the freedom to explore different areas without worry.
You might find that an area you hadn’t considered is actually a perfect fit. Conversely, an apartment that looks great on paper might feel isolated or inconvenient once you see it in person.
Key points to consider when exploring:
Singapore is compact, and it’s easy to explore multiple neighbourhoods in a single day.
You’re not in a rush. Taking an extra week or two to find the right place will save you money and stress in the long run.
There’s no shortage of housing. With a city of over 5.5 million people, new listings are always popping up.
Safe at all hours. You can confidently walk around at night to see how neighbourhoods feel after dark.
5. Budget Smart, Travel More
By making cost-effective housing choices, you’ll free up significant funds to enjoy what really matters—travel and experiences. Singapore’s Changi Airport, often ranked the world’s best, connects you to countless destinations across Asia. Weekend trips to Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, or Malaysia are both affordable and accessible.
You can even take a quick ferry to Indonesia for a beach getaway or enjoy luxurious holidays in Bali, the Maldives, or beyond - all thanks to the money you’ve saved by avoiding unnecessary rental expenses.
Key Takeaways:
Don’t rush into renting—stay in your school-provided hotel first and explore the city.
Make agents work for you—don’t let them rush you into a lease just to close a deal.
Prioritise public transport access—living near a bus stop on a major road can save you money while keeping your commute easy.
Look for covered walkways—they make a big difference in Singapore’s tropical climate.
Consider HDB flats—they’re spacious, affordable (around $3,500 SGD/month for a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom flat with air conditioning), and offer a rich local living experience.
Get out and explore—visit neighbourhoods, test commutes, and find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Enjoy peace of mind—Singapore’s outstanding safety makes it easy to explore and live comfortably.
Think of housing savings as travel funds—Singapore’s location is perfect for exploring Asia’s best destinations.
Remember, if you were living in Sydney, London, or Vancouver, you wouldn’t automatically choose the most expensive homes. Apply the same logic in Singapore, and you’ll find that life here can be both affordable and incredibly rewarding.
Welcome to Singapore... your international teaching adventure awaits!
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