Singapore vs Los Angeles: Cost of Living, Rent & Purchasing Power Comparison

Comparing Singapore (Singapore) and Los Angeles (United States) reveals a cost-of-living index of 96.3 in Singapore versus 86.1 in Los Angeles (NYC baseline = 100.0). Overall, Los Angeles is 10.6% more affordable than Singapore.

Metrological Indicator Singapore (Singapore) Los Angeles (United States)
Cost of Living Index (NYC = 100) 96.3 86.1
Rent Index 93.9 72.6
Groceries Index 80.6 89.8
Restaurant Price Index 69.6 80.7
Local Purchasing Power Index 114.9 110.2
1-Bed Apartment in City Center S$4,368 $2,758
Inexpensive Restaurant Meal S$15.60 $21.20
Monthly Public Transit Pass S$133.12 $106
Basic Monthly Utilities (85m²) S$187.20 $183
Safety & Healthcare Score Safety 76.5/100 · Health 85.9/100 Safety 48.9/100 · Health 74.8/100

Is Singapore more expensive than Los Angeles?

Singapore has a higher overall cost-of-living index (96.3) compared to Los Angeles (86.1), representing an index differential of 10.2 points (10.6% difference).

How do apartment rents compare between Singapore and Los Angeles?

In Singapore, a 1-bedroom city-center apartment averages S$4,368/month (Rent Index: 93.9), whereas in Los Angeles it averages $2,758/month (Rent Index: 72.6).

→ Singapore Full Cost Report → Los Angeles Full Cost Report → Global City Index Directory

Cost of Living & Real Estate Market in Singapore

The cost of living in Singapore, Singapore is indexed at 96.3 points relative to New York City (which acts as the baseline at 100). This rating indicates a premium-tier expense profile for residents, digital nomads, and expats alike. When factoring in general consumer spending, local taxes, and retail prices, {city} offers a unique economic landscape.

Housing and accommodation in Singapore are defined by a Rent Index of 93.9. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally commands about S$4,368 per month. For long-term stays, housing expenses represent a very expensive portion of an average expat budget, meaning finding affordable housing requires careful planning.

Daily sustenance and lifestyle expenses are key. In Singapore, a basic meal at an inexpensive local restaurant averages S$15.60, while a standard cup of coffee is priced around S$6.76. Public transit is accessible, with a monthly commuter pass costing approximately S$133.12, and basic residential utility bills (electricity, heating, water) averaging S$187.20 monthly.

Looking at quality of life metrics, Singapore secures a safety index rating of 76.5/100, which is considered highly secure. The local climate efficiency is rated at 60.2/100, healthcare standard scores 85.9/100, and digital connectivity is supported by average internet download speeds of 98.2 Mbps.

METROLOGY ID: SINGAPORE-EN-2026 | DYNAMIC DATA FEED

Cost of Living & Real Estate Market in Los Angeles

The cost of living in Los Angeles, United States is indexed at 86.1 points relative to New York City (which acts as the baseline at 100). This rating indicates a premium-tier expense profile for residents, digital nomads, and expats alike. When factoring in general consumer spending, local taxes, and retail prices, {city} offers a unique economic landscape.

Housing and accommodation in Los Angeles are defined by a Rent Index of 72.6. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the city center generally commands about $2,758 per month. For long-term stays, housing expenses represent a very expensive portion of an average expat budget, meaning finding affordable housing requires careful planning.

Daily sustenance and lifestyle expenses are key. In Los Angeles, a basic meal at an inexpensive local restaurant averages $21.20, while a standard cup of coffee is priced around $5.60. Public transit is accessible, with a monthly commuter pass costing approximately $106, and basic residential utility bills (electricity, heating, water) averaging $183 monthly.

Looking at quality of life metrics, Los Angeles secures a safety index rating of 48.9/100, which is considered highly secure. The local climate efficiency is rated at 94.2/100, healthcare standard scores 74.8/100, and digital connectivity is supported by average internet download speeds of 95.1 Mbps.

METROLOGY ID: LOS ANGELES-EN-2026 | DYNAMIC DATA FEED