Is Bukit Timah Expensive?

Singapore, Singapore

+18% vs Singapore avg

Living in Bukit Timah, Singapore

Bukit Timah is one of the pricier neighborhoods in Singapore, with a cost of living index of 103.5 — that is +18% compared to the Singapore average. It ranks #6 out of 24 areas by cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around S$3,382/month, compared to a range of S$2,063 in Sengkang to S$4,012 in Sentosa.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Bukit Timah, housing takes up roughly 50% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 16%, while transportation costs around 9%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately S$135,273 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Bukit Timah

Salaries in Bukit Timah reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 103.5:

After tax and deductions of 25.7% in Singapore, take-home pay for someone earning S$135,273 would be roughly S$100,508/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

103.5
COLI Index
1.18x
vs City Avg
S$3,382
Est. 1BR Rent
#6
of 24 Areas
25.7%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Bukit Timah

Estimated annual deductions on a S$101,123 salary in Bukit Timah, Singapore (local employee).

Income Tax
6%
CPF (Employee Share)
20.0%
Total Deductions: 25.7%
Est. Take-Home: S$75,119/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Bukit Timah would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $77,625
London GBP £66,803
Dubai AED AED 388,419

Other Neighborhoods in Singapore

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Sentosa 122.8 1.40x +40%
Marina Bay 118.4 1.35x +35%
Orchard Road 114.0 1.30x +30%
Raffles Place 109.6 1.25x +25%
Dempsey Hill 107.0 1.22x +22%

View all 24 neighborhoods in Singapore →

Convert Your Salary

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Singapore City Comparisons

London vs Singapore Dubai vs Singapore Singapore vs Hong Kong

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Bukit Timah:

Georgetown, Washington DC Richmond, London Jordaan, Amsterdam Seaport, Boston Herzliya Pituach, Tel Aviv South Beach, Miami

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bukit Timah expensive in Singapore?

Yes, Bukit Timah is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Singapore. It costs about +18% more than the city average, ranking #6 out of 24 neighborhoods.

How does Bukit Timah compare to the Singapore average?

The cost of living in Bukit Timah is above the Singapore average. With a multiplier of 1.18x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +18% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include Singapore Department of Statistics · Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.