Singapore is the most expensive Asian city for singles, a new report reveals. The cost of solo living there now exceeds average monthly incomes by about $200. This puts financial strain on single residents, especially young professionals and expats. The findings come from a November 2025 study by a Singapore-based moneylender. The research analyzed living costs across several Asian countries. It focused on single-person households. Key expenses included housing, utilities, transportation, and entertainment. Safety and quality of life were also measured. Singapore ranked first due to sky-high housing and transportation costs. It is now the toughest place for singles to maintain a balanced budget in Asia.
The report looked at 15 major cities across Asia and the Middle East. It calculated the total monthly cost for a single person to live comfortably. Singapore came out on top—with a monthly cost of $4,210. Yet, the average salary for singles is only about $4,000. That leaves a gap of $210 each month. Many singles must rely on savings or financial support. Some take on side jobs just to keep up. Housing is the biggest expense. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs over $3,000 per month. Utilities add another $150. Public transport is efficient but not cheap. A monthly pass costs around $130. Even groceries and dining out are costly. A single meal at an affordable restaurant can cost $15 or more.
The United Arab Emirates ranked high in cost too. But it offers a trade-off: top-tier safety and quality of life. The average monthly cost for a single person in the UAE is $3,317. This is more affordable than Singapore. But still expensive compared to regional averages. What makes the UAE stand out is safety. It has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Expats feel secure walking alone at night. Public services are reliable. Healthcare and education are of high quality. The government invests heavily in infrastructure. These benefits attract single professionals. Many choose the UAE despite the high cost.
Qatar stands out for entertainment spending. Singles there spend nearly $300 a month on leisure. That’s the highest in the region. Dining out, movies, concerts, and social events are all pricey. A two-person meal at a mid-range restaurant costs about $100. A movie ticket is around $20. Nightlife and clubs are popular but expensive. This makes social life tough for budget-conscious singles. Still, Qatar’s economy is strong. Many expats earn high salaries. That helps offset the cost. But for younger workers or students, it can still be a burden.
Housing was a major driver of high costs across all countries. In Singapore, demand far exceeds supply. Land is limited. That drives up prices. Rentals are tight. Many singles live in shared units to save money. Even co-living spaces are not cheap. In other countries like Japan and South Korea, housing is also expensive. But not as extreme as in Singapore. Utilities are another shared burden. Air conditioning, water, and internet add up. In hot climates, cooling costs are especially high.
Transportation costs vary. Singapore has excellent public transit. But using it daily still costs more than in most cities. Owning a car is extremely expensive. Taxes and permits can cost tens of thousands. In the UAE, car ownership is more common. Gas is cheap. But insurance and maintenance are not. In Qatar, many rely on ride-hailing apps. These are convenient but add up over time.
The report highlights the growing financial strain on single adults. More people are choosing solo living. This trend is rising in urban Asia. But cities aren’t keeping up with affordable housing. Singles often pay the same rent as couples. Yet they earn only one income. This imbalance creates stress. Many delay life goals like travel or investing. Some consider moving abroad for better value.
In conclusion, Singapore remains the toughest city for singles in Asia. High costs outpace income. The UAE offers better safety and balance. Qatar leads in entertainment spending. All three nations challenge singles to manage money wisely. As urban living grows more expensive, financial planning is no longer optional. It’s essential.
Asia’s Most Expensive City for Singles in 2025
