Is Tampines Expensive?

Singapore, Singapore

-22% vs Singapore avg

Living in Tampines, Singapore

Tampines is a relatively affordable area in Singapore, with a cost of living index of 68.4 — that is -22% compared to the Singapore average. At #18 of 24, it is below the city average in cost. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around S$2,235/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 Tampines, housing takes up roughly 33% 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$89,418 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Tampines

Salaries in Tampines reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 68.4:

After tax and deductions of 23.6% in Singapore, take-home pay for someone earning S$89,418 would be roughly S$68,315/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

68.4
COLI Index
0.78x
vs City Avg
S$2,235
Est. 1BR Rent
#18
of 24 Areas
23.6%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Tampines

Estimated annual deductions on a S$66,829 salary in Tampines, Singapore (local employee).

Income Tax
4%
CPF (Employee Share)
20.0%
Total Deductions: 23.6%
Est. Take-Home: S$51,035/yr

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

Salary Equivalents

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

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $51,300
London GBP £44,148
Dubai AED AED 256,694

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 Tampines, Singapore to maintain your lifestyle.

Open Salary Converter

Singapore City Comparisons

London vs Singapore Dubai vs Singapore Singapore vs Hong Kong

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Tampines:

Lane Cove, Sydney Stratford, London Lewisham, London Brønshøj, Copenhagen Clairemont, San Diego Echo Park, Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampines expensive in Singapore?

Tampines is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Singapore. It costs about -22% less than the city average, ranking #18 out of 24 neighborhoods.

How does Tampines compare to the Singapore average?

The cost of living in Tampines is well below the Singapore average. With a multiplier of 0.78x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -22% 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.