Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world for expat families. The city is safe (one of the lowest crime rates in the world), clean, English-speaking, and has world-class healthcare and education infrastructure. Here's what expat families need to know to settle in well.
Education: International Schools in Singapore
Singapore has over 80 international schools serving its diverse expat community. Most follow foreign curricula (US, UK, International Baccalaureate, Australian, Canadian, French, German, Japanese).
Key International Schools by Curriculum
American Curriculum:
- Singapore American School (SAS) — Woodlands; one of Asia's largest international schools
- Stamford American International School — Woodleigh
- Overseas Family School (OFS) — Pasir Ris
British / UK Curriculum:
- Tanglin Trust School — Buona Vista; highly regarded
- Dover Court International School — Dover
- Dulwich College Singapore — Buona Vista
International Baccalaureate (IB):
- United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) — Dover and East campuses
- Canadian International School — Tanjong Katong and Lakeside campuses
- ISS International School — Paterson Road
Other Curricula:
- Lycée Français de Singapour (French) — Clementi
- German European School Singapore (GESS) — Jurong
- Japanese Primary and Secondary Schools — various
- Anglo-Chinese School International (ACS(I)) — Clementi (British curriculum)
School Fees
International school fees in Singapore are among the highest in Asia:
- Primary level: $25,000 – $40,000/year
- Secondary level: $30,000 – $50,000/year
- IB Diploma: $40,000 – $60,000/year
Most large multinationals include an education allowance in expat compensation packages. Confirm yours before committing to a school.
Local Schools for PR Children
If your children are Singapore PRs, they can attend local MOE (Ministry of Education) primary and secondary schools, which cost a fraction of international school fees ($200–$400/month for non-citizen PR students). However, local schools teach in a Singapore-centric curriculum and have much more demanding academic environments (PSLE, O-levels, A-levels).
Enrolment Timing
Most international schools have rolling admissions, but popular schools (Tanglin, UWCSEA, SAS) often have waiting lists. Apply as early as possible — ideally 6–12 months before your planned move.
---
Healthcare
Singapore's healthcare system is world-class. The city has public hospitals (subsidised, longer waiting times), private hospitals (premium, immediate access), and a massive network of GP clinics.
Public Hospitals
Major public hospitals include Singapore General Hospital (SGH), NUH (National University Hospital), Changi General Hospital, KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). Foreigners (on any pass) pay unsubsidised rates at public hospitals — the government subsidy that lowers B2/C ward costs applies only to citizens and PRs. Care is still world-class and reasonable by global standards, but budget for private-level costs, which is why good hospitalisation insurance matters.
Private Hospitals
Mount Elizabeth (Orchard and Novena), Gleneagles, Raffles Hospital, and Parkway East are Singapore's main private hospitals. Wait times are minimal, facilities are excellent, and they have doctors with international training. However, costs are high — a 3-day admission can run $5,000–$15,000 without insurance.
Insurance
EP holders do not receive Medishield Life (Singapore's national health insurance). Your employer should provide group hospitalisation insurance, but confirm the coverage level. For family coverage, consider:
- Integrated Shield Plans (ISP) available from AIA, AXA, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, Prudential — these work for PRs and citizens
- International health insurance (Pacific Cross, ALC Health, Cigna) — covers EP holders and provides worldwide coverage; annual premium $3,000–$8,000 for a family
Finding a GP
Polyclinics (government) offer subsidised consultations from $15.50 (non-residents pay more, approximately $40–$80). Private GPs cost $30–$100 per visit. Most neighbourhoods have multiple GP clinics with evening hours.
---
Children's Activities and Community
Sports and Activities
Singapore has excellent sports infrastructure:
- Swimming: Most condos have pools; public swimming complexes (ActiveSG) from $1.50/entry
- Football / Soccer: Community fields islandwide; many expat football leagues
- Tennis: ActiveSG courts from $3.50/hour; many condos have courts
- Cycling: Park Connector Network (PCN) — 340km of cycling paths islandwide
- East Coast Park, Sentosa, West Coast Park: Family-friendly weekend destinations
Community and social clubs: The American Club, British Club, French Chamber, ANZA (Australia/New Zealand) are popular social hubs for respective nationalities. Tanglin Club and Singapore Cricket Club offer broader expat community networks.
Parent Communities
- InterNations Singapore: Large online and offline network for expats
- Relocating to Singapore Facebook groups: Extremely active, excellent for school advice and area questions
- Grapevine / Expat Living Singapore: Print and digital publications with community listings
---
Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Holland Village / Buona Vista / Dempsey Hill The classic expat family neighbourhood. Close to Tanglin Trust, UWCSEA Dover, and Anglo-Chinese International. Bukit Timah Road is the "expat corridor" with high density of international schools.
East Coast / Katong / Marine Parade Popular with UWCSEA East and Overseas Family School families. Relaxed beach-adjacent lifestyle, excellent food, growing TEL connectivity.
Novena / Toa Payoh Central, convenient for Mount Elizabeth and Raffles Hospital medical cluster. Good international school access via Woodlands/Buona Vista roads.
Bukit Timah / King Albert Park Very green and prestigious. Many international school buses run through here. Traffic can be slow during school hours.
---
Cost of Living for a Family
| Item | Monthly Cost (est.) |
|---|---|
| Rent (3BR condo, mid-range area) | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| International school (per child) | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Groceries (family of 4) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Domestic helper | $700 – $900 (salary + levy) |
| Family health insurance | $400 – $700 |
| Transport (1 car or Grab) | $600 – $1,500 |
| Eating out / activities | $800 – $2,000 |
| Total (family of 4) | $12,000 – $20,000+ |
Singapore is expensive by Asian standards, but expat compensation packages typically reflect this. Many families find that once settled, the combination of excellent schools, safety, healthcare, and lifestyle makes Singapore exceptional value compared to other major expat destinations.