Singapore: cost of living

What is core inflation in Singapore?

MAS core inflation in Singapore rose to 2.1% year on year in July–August 2026, from 1.5% in the second quarter, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). MAS said electricity and gas tariffs had risen and inflation in fuel-intensive transport services stayed high, while healthcare subsidies kept services inflation lower.

Core inflation leaves out accommodation and private transport costs, which can swing sharply. MAS forecasts core inflation of 1.5–2.0% for 2026 and 1.5–2.5% for 2027.

Official sources: MAS: monetary policy statement, 14 October 2026

How fast are food prices rising in Singapore?

Food prices in Singapore were 2.3% higher in August 2026 than a year earlier, according to the Department of Statistics (SingStat). Excluding meals at restaurants and hawker centres, food prices were 3.0% higher.

Food is one group within the consumer price index. Food bought to prepare at home is shown separately from food and beverage serving services. The Monetary Authority of Singapore expects global and regional food prices to pick up as costlier inputs and adverse weather affect production.

Official sources: SingStat: CPI, percent change on a year earlier, monthly · MAS: monetary policy statement, 14 October 2026

What is the poverty rate in Singapore?

No official poverty rate or poverty line was found on the sites of the Department of Statistics and the Ministry of Manpower, checked on 15 October 2026.

The Ministry of Manpower publishes income statistics, including a median monthly income from work of S$5,775 for full-time employed residents in June 2025. SingStat publishes household income by income group from its household surveys.

Official sources: MOM: income summary table

What is Singapore's inflation rate?

The IMF puts consumer price inflation in Singapore at 0.9% in 2025. The peak was 6.6% in 2008 and the low -0.5% in 2016. East Asia & Pacific median: 2.2%; Singapore is 17th highest of 24. World rank, highest first: 135th of 165.

How much do people in Singapore spend?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $25,208. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 2nd highest of 12 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is $3,794. Worldwide: 10th of 124.

What is food insecurity in Singapore?

The FAO puts moderate or severe food insecurity in Singapore at 10.1% in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2015. East Asia & Pacific median: 15.4%; Singapore is 11th highest of 17. World rank, highest first: 91st of 135.