Is Novena Expensive?

Singapore, Singapore

+5% vs Singapore avg

Living in Novena, Singapore

Novena is a moderately-priced area within Singapore, with a cost of living index of 92.1 — that is +5% compared to the Singapore average. It sits around the middle of the pack at #10 out of 24 neighborhoods. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around S$3,009/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 Novena, housing takes up roughly 44% 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$120,370 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Novena

Salaries in Novena reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 92.1:

After tax and deductions of 25.0% in Singapore, take-home pay for someone earning S$120,370 would be roughly S$90,278/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

92.1
COLI Index
1.05x
vs City Avg
S$3,009
Est. 1BR Rent
#10
of 24 Areas
25.0%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Novena

Estimated annual deductions on a S$89,985 salary in Novena, Singapore (local employee).

Income Tax
5%
CPF (Employee Share)
20.0%
Total Deductions: 25.0%
Est. Take-Home: S$67,490/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

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

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $69,075
London GBP £59,445
Dubai AED AED 345,637

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

See exactly what you need to earn in Novena, Singapore to maintain your lifestyle.

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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 Novena:

Coconut Grove, Miami Sunny Isles, Miami North End, Boston Fenway-Kenmore, Boston Camden, London Battersea, London

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Novena expensive in Singapore?

Novena is near the city average for Singapore. Costs are about +5% vs the average, making it a mid-range neighborhood.

How does Novena compare to the Singapore average?

The cost of living in Novena is above the Singapore average. With a multiplier of 1.05x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +5% 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.