Singapore Tops List of World’s Most Expensive Cities in 2025
Inset photo -Studio Art Ghibli created by me
According to the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025, Singapore has once again claimed the top spot as the most expensive city in the world — and soaring rental prices are a major factor.
Inset photo -Studio Art Ghibli created by me
According to the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025, Singapore has once again claimed the top spot as the most expensive city in the world — and soaring rental prices are a major factor.
💰 Rental Rates Are Surging
- The median rent in Singapore now s
tands at approximately S$4,100/month. - A one-bedroom unit averages around S$3,636/month, based on recent data from Yahoo News.
- Studio units remain relatively steady, but high demand keeps prices elevated.
🧭 What’s Driving These High Rents?
- Limited Land Supply As a compact island nation, Singapore has a finite amount of space for development, which fuels fierce competition for housing.
- Strong Economy, Global Appeal A regional hub for business and wealth, Singapore draws high-income individuals and multinational firms — pushing rents up.
- Tight Regulations Government policies aimed at market stability (like restrictions on short-term rentals) have indirect effects on long-term rental prices.
- High Construction & Compliance Costs Building and maintaining properties in Singapore is costly — and landlords pass these costs on to tenants.
🌍 Global Trends vs. Local Realities
Rent hikes aren’t unique to Singapore. In the U.S., rental prices rose 31% between 2019 and 2024, with some states exceeding 60%. But Singapore’s situation is distinct — combining tight space, urban density, and policy constraints, creating a uniquely persistent rise in rental rates.
- The median rent in Singapore now s
tands at approximately S$4,100/month. - A one-bedroom unit averages around S$3,636/month, based on recent data from Yahoo News.
- Studio units remain relatively steady, but high demand keeps prices elevated.
🧭 What’s Driving These High Rents?
- Limited Land Supply As a compact island nation, Singapore has a finite amount of space for development, which fuels fierce competition for housing.
- Strong Economy, Global Appeal A regional hub for business and wealth, Singapore draws high-income individuals and multinational firms — pushing rents up.
- Tight Regulations Government policies aimed at market stability (like restrictions on short-term rentals) have indirect effects on long-term rental prices.
- High Construction & Compliance Costs Building and maintaining properties in Singapore is costly — and landlords pass these costs on to tenants.
🌍 Global Trends vs. Local Realities
Rent hikes aren’t unique to Singapore. In the U.S., rental prices rose 31% between 2019 and 2024, with some states exceeding 60%. But Singapore’s situation is distinct — combining tight space, urban density, and policy constraints, creating a uniquely persistent rise in rental rates.
⚠️ The Bigger Picture: Risk of Talent Drain?
While Singapore remains a world-class destination, rising rents that outpace salary growth could erode our edge:
- Entrepreneurs, researchers, and mid-career professionals may reconsider living here.
- If housing becomes unaffordable, we risk losing the very people who power Singapore’s innovation and growth.
📌 Final Thought
The Singapore rental market is dynamic and policy-sensitive. Staying informed and seeking professional advice is critical — especially as the landscape continues to shift.
While Singapore remains a world-class destination, rising rents that outpace salary growth could erode our edge:
- Entrepreneurs, researchers, and mid-career professionals may reconsider living here.
- If housing becomes unaffordable, we risk losing the very people who power Singapore’s innovation and growth.
📌 Final Thought
The Singapore rental market is dynamic and policy-sensitive. Staying informed and seeking professional advice is critical — especially as the landscape continues to shift.
