How much will an HDB room or a private student hostel cost me each month in Singapore?
In Singapore, an HDB common room typically costs around SGD 600 to 1,200 per month, while a private student hostel costs around SGD 800 to 2,800, sometimes with meals and housekeeping. Attached bathrooms, MRT proximity, meals and air conditioning can all push the rent higher.
An HDB common room typically costs around SGD 600 to 1,200 (approx INR 45,162 to 90,324) per month, and a private student hostel around SGD 800 to 2,800 (approx INR 60,216 to 2.11 L). Several features can move your rent within these ranges.
Monthly Rent by Stay Type
| Type of stay | Approximate monthly rent (SGD) |
|---|---|
| University hostel or hall | 500 to 1,000 (approx INR 37,635 to 75,270) |
| Shared apartment room | 500 to 1,800 (approx INR 37,635 to 1.35 L) |
| Private student hostel | 800 to 2,800 (approx INR 60,216 to 2.11 L) |
| HDB common room | 600 to 1,200 (approx INR 45,162 to 90,324) |
What Moves the Price
- An attached bathroom costs more than a shared one.
- A place a few minutes from an MRT station is pricier than one needing a bus ride.
- Hostels with meals can add around SGD 200 to 400 (approx INR 15,054 to 30,108) a month.
- Air conditioned rooms usually cost around SGD 100 to 200 (approx INR 7,527 to 15,054) more.
- Renting a whole space costs more: HDB flats around SGD 2,000 to 3,500 (approx INR 1.51 to 2.63 L), condos around SGD 3,500 to 7,000 (approx INR 2.63 to 5.27 L) and serviced apartments around SGD 4,500 to 8,000 (approx INR 3.39 to 6.02 L).
My Advice
A room in an HDB flat is a good middle path if halls are full and a private hostel feels too costly. Ask what is included in the rent, such as utilities and Wi-Fi, before you compare listings, because the cheapest headline price is not always the cheapest in practice.
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