Quality of Life in Singapore: Why I Still Love Living Here

After more than a decade in Singapore, I’ve realised how rare it is to find a place that blends safety, comfort, opportunity, and everyday convenience as well as this tiny island does.

Singapore is not my first home, but after living here for a few years, I don’t see myself finding a better place to live that offers a better balance of comfort, security, as well as opportunity.

The quality of life I have in Singapore is something that I value the most, not just in terms of convenience, but in the way the city supports your day-to-day living. The longer I live here, the more I appreciate how thoughtfully the entire ecosystem is built around residents’ well-being.

Here are some good explanations for why I still love living here.

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It’s a Very Safe Country

When people are asked what they think about Singapore, the most common answer is “expensive city” or “modern city”. However, as a woman who has lived here for over 15 years, my answer will always be “it’s a very safe country”.

On the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)’s Global Peace Index 2025, Singapore ranks 6^th globally and remains #1 in Asia. For me, this means I feel safe walking alone everywhere and at any time, and it’s priceless.

What also amazes me is how people leave (or accidentally leave) their belongings and come back later to find them exactly where they left them. So, in case you accidentally leave your latest iPhone model in the taxi, there’s a high chance they will even deliver it back to your address. 

Politics is Very Stable

Personally, I’m not really into politics, so I really appreciate the minimal political scene in Singapore. Predictable and consistent long-term policies, along with a well-governed environment, give residents and businesses an extra level of confidence. 

Globally, Singapore is well-trusted and well-known for its political stability. This is one of the reasons many global companies set up their offices here. Everything is well-organised and everything works, from public transport to online government services.  

Multi-Cultural Society

Even though Singapore is very modern, its mix of cultures is very easy to see everywhere. People often call Singapore a “melting pot”, and it really is because you can see different communities live and interact together every day.

It’s normal to hear announcements in four languages (Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English) or to have neighbours from different races.   

Strong Sense of Belonging

I love the idea of getting global exposure while still feeling a strong sense of belonging. People even take community-building to the next level by creating ecosystems that make volunteering and donating easy, trusted, and part of everyday life.

Platforms such as SG Cares, Giving.sg, and CDC programmes help make giving a national culture, something that aligns very closely with my own values.  

Food as a Way of Life 

When I first moved here 15 years ago, I found it difficult to find food that suited my palate. Fast forward to now, it is a food heaven! Many people tell me they travel all the way to Singapore just to re-order their favourite dishes. From chicken rice and laksa to nasi lemak, the diversity of the food scene here is just amazing.

Whether you want to get ethnic-specific food like Malay, Indian, Chinese, Western food, or something else, you will find it here. 

If you are into healthier options now, vegetarian/vegan options, gluten-free food or keto-friendly food, Singapore has it all too. Most importantly, the food tastes authentic and original. It’s not just a random mix of ingredients trying to mimic a particular dish.

The food authenticity is something most people agree on. I also sometimes feel like it is some kind of luxury to choose what I want for each meal. I can have delicious Malay food for breakfast, amazing Indian food for lunch and then enjoy authentic Italian pasta for dinner. 

Most Singaporean households rarely cook, especially when there are only one or two people at home. This is where the hawker centre culture comes from. It is far more practical to buy a meal for under $10 each from a hawker centre nearby than to cook at home. On top of that, hawker centres are widely available across the island. No matter where you live, you will always find one within a few hundred metres. They offer a wide variety of options and are heavily regulated (and sometimes subsidised) to keep the prices affordable. 

Food is Also Clean

Besides strict hygiene rules set by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the country’s clean and safe food reputation also comes from many other government efforts such as regular cleaning and upgrading of hawker centres. Each stall also has a Food Hygiene Grade displayed in their stall so customers like us immediately see its hygiene level. Here’s what the icon means:

• A – Excellent hygiene
• B – Good hygiene
• C – Satisfactory hygiene
• D – Poor hygiene 

Singapore’s food culture stays clean and safe for everyone because the government treats food safety as a national priority, and I give two thumbs up for all these initiatives. 

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Michelin Guide Can Be Found Everywhere

Lastly, if you think that the hawker centre food quality is just average, think again.  Singapore even has Michelin-rated (Michelin Guide) hawker centres.

The list keeps growing, which means more high-quality yet affordable food right in our neighbourhoods. This is a great alternative if you don’t want to splurge on dining at Michelin restaurants. But of course, on special occasions, I still go to two- or three-starred restaurants, which are also plenty in Singapore. If you want to enjoy a premium dining experience, you can check out these places (extra note: it will come with a hefty price tag):

• Les Amis
• Odette 
• Jaan 
• Sushi Sakuta 

Work Life 

The reason I moved to Singapore years ago was because of my work. I believe this is the same for many foreigners who choose to relocate here. Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s most attractive places to work and do business. 

Lots of Job Opportunities

With a strong reputation as a global hub across many industries, including finance, logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology, and biosciences, the country is now a major magnet for talent, especially in Southeast Asia. It is easier for people to find jobs that match their interests, and many often come with very competitive pay.   

Efficient Process of Starting a Business

Singapore is also known for how easy and efficient the process of starting a business is. You can even register a company in a day. Government agencies such as the Economic Development Board (EDB) offer a wide range of support including R&D grants, tax incentives, training subsidies and industry partnerships.

These supports give an extra layer of confidence for many global companies to build high-value operations in Singapore, and not just a simple sales office. To me personally, this means steady job opportunities for the future. 

Professional Working Standards

In my years of experience working in Singapore, I personally find it easier to work with colleagues here because they have very high professional standards. Singapore has a workforce that is globally ready. People are highly educated, hardworking, as well as multilingual. This makes managing a regional operation much easier. The country also produces a steady pipeline of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) talent, which is something many companies actively search for today.   

To prepare its workers for the future, the government invests heavily in its people, myself included. This is something I truly admire, because it is really reassuring to know that the government is constantly thinking about our long-term success in a fast-changing job market.

Here are some examples of their initiatives worth checking:

• National upskilling initiatives under SkillsFuture
• Career and employment support under Workforce Singapore (WSG)
• Tech & Digital Upskilling programmes under Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) 
• My Career Future

Healthy Lifestyle 

Most of Singapore residents are in good shape, and this is not only because they are born this way. The entire island has been encouraging a healthy lifestyle for many years. In every condo in Singapore, gym facilities are always a must-have.

Plenty of Gyms

Now you don’t have an excuse to say that you don’t exercise at home because you don’t have space for the equipment. And it’s also not an excuse if you live in government housing (Housing Development Board or “HDB”), because each HDB estate comes with various facilities to keep your healthy lifestyle in check. 

If you think you can’t really build your own gym routine at home, there are plenty of classes and personal trainers available in gyms around the island. From budget-friendly gym options under S$100/month to premium gym memberships close to $500/month, Singapore has many choices. Whether the gym is next to your workplace or in your neighbourhood, you will always have options to stay active. 

Public Sports Hub

What I like about the Singapore government is that they also provide public facilities for different types of sports. Singapore Sports Hub, Our Tampines Hub, and Heartbeat@Bedok are a few examples of integrated fitness centres. ActiveSG membership also gives residents affordable access to swimming pools, gyms and other sports halls in almost every neighbourhood.

The Park Connector Network (PCN) is a favourite among joggers and cyclists, and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. This ~400km network encourages everyday movement for all of us living on the island. I also like to check out popular nature reserves as well, like MacRitchie Reservoir or Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. They are packed with people every weekend. It’s always nice to be surrounded by health-conscious people who value the same thing. 

Lots of Greenery

Everyone thinks Singapore’s weather is hot, and yes, it is. But it is one of the rare countries known as a “City in a Garden”. You can find parks and greenery almost everywhere, making the heat more bearable. The National Environment Agency (NEA) also enforces strict air-emission standards to ensure we always have fresh, safe air to breathe.

NEA also conducts air-quality monitoring, public health surveillance, and enforcement against pollution and prohibited emissions. All these efforts ensure that urban living is healthy instead of exposing us to chronic pollution. I’m confident with the air quality that I breathe in Singapore, and I love how I can constantly see bright blue sky here.  

Public Transportation is Very Convenient

With six operational Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines covering about 240km across ~143 stations, this tiny little island is extremely well connected. Complementing the MRT, we have three Light-Rail Transit (LRT) lines that link neighbourhoods to the MRT, plus over 300 scheduled bus services, and thousands of taxis and ride-hailing services.

I never really have to worry when travelling across the island. Bus-arrival apps are widely available, making it easy to plan your journey. People happily use public transport not only because it’s reliable, but also because it’s cheap and amazingly clean. Singapore is also a cashless society. I don’t carry much cash anymore.

I guess the strict rule against eating and drinking in public transport plays a big part in keeping it this way. In many stations, they are also playing background music according to the season, making the commuting experience even better for everyone. 

Owning a Car

Another point worth mentioning is the hefty price of owning a car. Most of the time, the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), which is the licence to own the car in Singapore, costs more than the car itself. This makes Singapore one of the most expensive places to own a vehicle. However, the upside is that you won’t see major traffic jams everywhere on the island, even during rush hour. Navigating traffic here is always a breeze.  

Clean Pedestrian Walkways

As someone who frequently uses public transport, I often need to walk to reach my destination. This is where sheltered, clean pedestrian walkways play a very important role. 

The Walk2Ride programme is one of the government initiatives under the Land Transport Authority (LTA) where residents can now have more than 200km of sheltered walkways. It connects most residential areas to nearby amenities. And if you are like me, who thinks walking from home to the nearby amenities is not enough to meet the daily steps, the Park Connector Network (PCN) is another great option.

PCN connects parks, nature spots, reservoirs, and waterways all across the island. Managed by National Parks Board (NParks), it now includes 94 parks covering 391 km, with another 50km planned over the next five years. More than enough to hit my daily step goals. 

Cashless Payment

Another winning factor is how reliable the cashless payment system is in Singapore.  I don’t really need to bring my wallet everywhere, and I rarely need to visit an ATM.

For me personally, it adds another level of convenience to life in Singapore when most places prefer cashless payment. From paying MRT fares, ordering a Grab ride, buying groceries to paying for your everyday meals, cashless is not for everyone yet, but it certainly makes life simpler for me.

Grocery Shopping

For those familiar with European living, you will understand the hassle of planning grocery shopping around shops’ early closing time on weekdays or being closed on Sundays. That’s not the case in Singapore. Most shops are open almost every day, including Sunday, with decent closing hours around 10pm. I can do groceries whenever it fits my schedule.

And if I don’t feel like going out, the online grocery shops like Redmart, Cold Storage Online or FairPrice Online will deliver straight to my door, including those heavy stuff! Save the muscle training for the gym, as you don’t need to carry heavy groceries home.  

Food Delivery

Another service that I like in Singapore is the wide range of food delivery options. From GrabFood to Foodpanda, they are ready to deliver your favourite dishes from your regular restaurants, available almost 24 hours a day. With a small delivery fee, I don’t even have to step out of my condo to enjoy whatever food that I feel like eating. 

Fast and Reliable Internet

Last but not least is the reliability of internet and utility services. I work mostly from home, so I need stable internet connectivity as well as electricity. Singapore has consistently proven itself with fast, advanced internet connectivity and extremely reliable utilities. No disruptions for years. This level of comfort is something I appreciate deeply, especially when comparing it to my experiences living and travelling in other countries.

Other Pillars of Singapore Quality Life 

Another thing I find extremely helpful is how efficiently government services are delivered.  Most of them can now be done online. Whether you are applying for a new passport, filing your personal tax, topping up your Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings, getting a driver’s licence, or simply updating your residential address, everything is clearly accessible through Singapore Personal Access (Singpass).

Government Services

Singpass is Singapore’s national digital ID. It lets both residents and foreigners use one type of login to access hundreds of government services online. It saves a lot of time, especially for people like me who prefer not to visit government offices in person.  

Waiting Time

Infrastructure, healthcare and the education system evolve with purpose, and not disruption. I love how I benefit from short waiting times, strong preventive care, and easy access to specialists whenever I need medical attention. Singapore’s high-quality healthcare system combined with advanced medical facilities gives residents peace of mind for emergencies and complex treatment.

The overall system is designed to be reliable and efficient, so people receive the right care at the right time. One thing that still amazes me is how I often walk out of the hospital after receiving treatment without needing to make the payment on the spot. All payment arrangements can be done online at your own convenient time. 

Quality Education System

I don’t have kids of my own, but if I did, I would not be worried about Singapore’s education system and school system, which consistently ranks among the best globally.

My colleague, who is a mother of two, told me that the system now also blends academics with character development and real-world skills, making sure all students have opportunities to grow according to their strengths. With so many nationalities living here, there are many international schools too, although the quality of the local schools is just as good, if not better. 

Government Support

I also want to highlight how well the Singapore government supports our everyday living. The government has built a system that is well-organised, long-term and covers many areas of life. At every stage, we can count on some form of support. Here are some examples: 

• For healthcare support the key programmes include Medisave, Medisheild, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). 

• For housing support, they offer HDB Housing Grants, Proximity Grant, and Rental Housing Schemes. 

• For family, they have Baby Bonus Scheme, Parenthood Tax Rebate and preschool subsidies. 

• For everyday living support, residents receive annual GST Voucher, CDC Vouchers and Public Transport Concessions. 

Find out more: The Complete Guide to Singapore Expat Health Insurance

Am I Happy About My Life in Singapore?

Yes, I’m happy here. Of course, I’m concerned about the living cost. But with the quality of life I get here, I’m totally satisfied with it.

I can go on and on sharing my life experiences in Singapore, but I think it’s more meaningful if you see it with your own eyes. So… have I convinced you to start packing your bags and move to Singapore?

Frequently Asked Questions about Life in Singapore

Is Singapore a good place to live for expats?

From my experience, yes. Singapore offers a very high quality of life with excellent safety, efficient public services, a strong job market, and a convenient lifestyle. At the same time, it’s a multicultural, open city where you can meet people from all over the world and enjoy food from almost every cuisine.

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Is Singapore really as safe as people say?

In my daily life, it truly feels that safe. I’m comfortable walking alone at almost any hour, and I’ve seen many cases where people accidentally leave their belongings behind and still get them back. For me, this sense of safety is one of the biggest reasons I love living here.

How convenient is day-to-day living in Singapore?

Day-to-day living is extremely convenient. Public transport is clean, reliable, and well-connected. Most places accept cashless payments, grocery stores open late and even on Sundays, and you can get almost anything delivered to your door, from food to heavy groceries. On top of that, government services are mostly online and easy to access via Singpass.

Is the cost of living in Singapore very high?

Yes, the cost of living is high and continues to rise, especially for rent, food, and basic necessities. A one-bedroom condo can easily cost around S$3,500 a month, and a simple dinner with one drink can be about S$50 per person. To live comfortably, you generally need to earn reasonably well, and many households rely on dual income.

What is work life like in Singapore?

Work life here is fast-paced but professional. There are many job opportunities across different industries, and people tend to have high standards and strong work ethics. At the same time, the government invests heavily in upskilling and training so that workers can stay relevant in a fast-changing job market.

Is it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle in Singapore?

Yes. Condos usually come with gyms, HDB estates have various sports facilities, and there are many public gyms and classes around the island. The Park Connector Network, nature reserves, and abundant greenery also make it easy to walk, run, or cycle regularly. Personally, I find it very natural to stay active here.