Cost of Living: Singapore vs. Dallas – How Much Do You Really Save?
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
For families relocating from Singapore to Dallas, the cost of living difference can be substantial. While Dallas offers larger homes and lower taxes, Singapore provides better public transport and walkability. Let’s break down the key expenses to see how much you can really save by moving to Dallas.
🏡 1. Housing Costs: Dallas Offers More Space for Less
Expense | Singapore (SGD) | Dallas (USD) | Savings in Dallas |
Luxury Condo (Orchard/Bukit Timah, 1,500 sq. ft.) | $5M – $8M SGD | $800K – $1.5M USD (5,000 sq. ft. house) | 75%+ cheaper |
Rent (3-Bedroom, Prime Area) | $10K – $18K SGD/month | $3K – $6K USD/month | 60%+ cheaper |
Property Tax | ~0.5% (low) | 2-3% | Higher in Texas |
✅ How You Save:
In Singapore, luxury real estate is extremely expensive.
In Dallas, you can buy a massive estate for the price of a small condo in Singapore.
Property taxes are higher in Texas, but no capital gains tax makes up for it.
🏡 Example:
$2M USD in Singapore = High-end 1,500 sq. ft. condo in Orchard.
$2M USD in Dallas = 10,000 sq. ft. mansion in a gated community with a private pool.
📌 Verdict: Dallas offers far more value for home buyers.
🚗 2. Transportation: Owning a Car is Cheaper in Dallas
Expense | Singapore (SGD) | Dallas (USD) | Savings in Dallas |
Car (Toyota Camry, New) | $150K SGD (COE included) | $30K USD | 80%+ cheaper |
Gas (per liter) | ~$2.75 SGD | ~$0.90 USD | 70%+ cheaper |
Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | ~$150 SGD | ~$96 USD (DART Pass) | Cheaper in Singapore |
✅ How You Save:
Singapore has expensive car ownership due to COE (Certificate of Entitlement).
In Dallas, buying and maintaining a car is far more affordable.
However, public transport is much better in Singapore, meaning some savings there.
📌 Verdict: Dallas is far cheaper if you own a car, but Singapore wins for public transport.
🍽️ 3. Food & Dining: Restaurants Are More Affordable in Dallas
Expense | Singapore (SGD) | Dallas (USD) | Savings in Dallas |
Fine Dining (for 2, Michelin-starred) | $500 – $1,000 SGD | $250 – $500 USD | 50%+ cheaper |
Casual Dining (for 2, mid-range restaurant) | $50 – $120 SGD | $30 – $80 USD | Cheaper in Dallas |
Hawker Center Meal | $5 – $10 SGD | Not available | Singapore wins here |
Groceries (Monthly, Family of 4) | $1,500 – $2,000 SGD | $900 – $1,500 USD | Cheaper in Dallas |
✅ How You Save:
Dining out is cheaper in Dallas, except for fast, local meals (hawker centers).
Groceries are cheaper in Dallas, especially meats, dairy, and fresh produce.
Imported Asian goods cost more in Dallas, but there are many Asian supermarkets.
📌 Verdict: Dallas is cheaper overall, but Singapore has better local food affordability.
🏫 4. Education: Free Public Schools vs. Expensive International Schools
Expense | Singapore (SGD) | Dallas (USD) | Savings in Dallas |
International School (Annual Tuition, per child) | $30K – $50K SGD | $20K – $40K USD | Similar |
Private Local School | $10K – $20K SGD | $15K – $30K USD | Similar |
Public School | Mostly for citizens | FREE | 100% savings |
✅ How You Save:
Expats in Singapore mostly enroll their kids in international schools, which are costly.
In Dallas, public schools are free and offer top-ranked education in Plano, Frisco, and Southlake.
Private schools in Dallas are still cheaper than international schools in Singapore.
📌 Verdict: Dallas offers more savings if you use the free public school system.
🏠 5. Utilities & Household Expenses: Lower in Dallas
Expense | Singapore (SGD) | Dallas (USD) | Savings in Dallas |
Electricity & Water (Monthly, Family of 4) | $200 – $400 SGD | $150 – $250 USD | Cheaper in Dallas |
Internet (1Gbps) | $60 – $80 SGD | $50 – $70 USD | Similar |
Household Help (Full-Time Maid) | $800 – $1,500 SGD/month | $3,000+ USD/month | Cheaper in Singapore |
✅ How You Save:
Utilities are slightly cheaper in Dallas but not significantly different.
Household help (live-in maid) is more affordable in Singapore due to work permit rules.
Hiring nannies or cleaners in Dallas is much more expensive.
📌 Verdict: Utilities are cheaper in Dallas, but household help is more affordable in Singapore.
💰 Final Cost Comparison: How Much Can You Save?
Category | Savings in Dallas |
Housing | 60% – 80% cheaper |
Car Ownership | 80%+ cheaper |
Dining Out | 50%+ cheaper |
Groceries | 20% – 40% cheaper |
Education | 100% savings if using public schools |
Household Help | More expensive in Dallas |
📌 Total Estimated Savings for a Family of 4 Moving from Singapore to Dallas:
$50K – $100K USD per year, mainly due to lower housing, transportation, and education costs.
🏆 Final Verdict: Is Moving to Dallas Cheaper Than Living in Singapore?
✅ YES! If you’re buying a home, using public schools, and owning a car, Dallas is far more affordable.❌ NO! If you rely on public transport and affordable household help, Singapore is better in those areas.
Would you like help finding a home in Dallas that fits your budget and lifestyle? 😊
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Dallas real estate!
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For those looking to invest in luxury homes in Plano, Texas, Nitin Gupta is an expert real estate professional ready to assist. Known for his extensive experience, market insights, and numerous awards, he is committed to finding his clients the best properties in the area.
Contact Nitin Gupta at 469-269-6541 or send a message today to explore exclusive listings and secure your ideal luxury residence in one of Plano elite communities.
