Do expats need a car in Singapore?

Most expats living in central Singapore do not need a car. The MRT and bus network is excellent and affordable. A car makes more sense if you have children doing school runs, live outside the central belt, or plan to stay 3 or more years.

How much does a car cost per month in Singapore?

Expect to pay SGD 1,500 to 2,500 per month all-in for a leased car including insurance and road tax. Buying costs more upfront due to COE prices which can exceed SGD 100,000.

Is leasing or buying better for expats in Singapore?

Leasing is almost always better for expats on a 1 to 3 year assignment. Buying only makes financial sense if you plan to stay 5 or more years and can recoup the COE cost.

Singapore

Should I Get a Car in Singapore?

Cars in Singapore are expensive — but so is your time. Here's how to decide honestly.

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To Trust or Not

We tell you which providers to use — and which to avoid

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Up-to-date pricing

COE and FRT data updated monthly

The honest answer: Most expats in central Singapore don't need a car. Public transport is world-class. But if you have kids doing school runs, live in the West or North, or value flexibility, a car can genuinely transform your quality of life.

The real cost of owning a car in Singapore

Singapore has some of the most expensive car ownership costs in the world. A mid-range car (Toyota Camry equivalent) will cost you around SGD $180,000–$220,000 all-in, including the Certificate of Entitlement (COE). Monthly outgoings typically run to SGD $3,500–$4,500 when you add up loan repayment, insurance, road tax, fuel, ERP charges, and parking.

That figure dwarfs what you'd spend in London, Sydney, or New York. Before committing, run the numbers for your specific situation — the calculator below can help.

When a car makes sense in Singapore

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School runs

Multiple children at different schools, especially if MRT access is limited or hours are awkward.

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Suburban location

If you live in Bukit Timah, the West, or North, distances to MRT make a car genuinely useful.

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Late-night work

If you regularly work past midnight, Grab surcharges add up. A car pays for itself quickly.

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Young children

Car seats, prams, and tired toddlers on public transport is a specific kind of challenge.

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Pets

Pets can't travel on MRT. If you have a dog, a car becomes almost essential for vets and parks.

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Frequent bulk shopping

Costco, IKEA, and wet market runs are genuinely much easier with a car.

When you probably don't need a car

Consider skipping the car if: you live within 10 minutes of an MRT; you work in the CBD; your kids school is on an MRT line; you're here for under 3 years; or your employer provides transport. Singapore's Grab is reliable, fast, and often faster than driving during peak hours.

Grab's base fare is reasonable and surge pricing, while annoying, is rare outside peak hours and rain. Many expats find a combination of MRT for daily commutes and Grab for evenings and weekends works extremely well — and is significantly cheaper than car ownership.

Leasing vs buying vs Grab: a rough comparison

Option	Monthly Cost	Best For
Buy (mid-range)	SGD $3,500–$4,500	Long stay (5+ yrs), families, frequent use
Lease (full-service)	SGD $2,200–$3,200	2–4 yr stays, flexibility, hassle-free
Grab + MRT	SGD $400–$900	City dwellers, under 2 yr stays, light users
MRT pass only	SGD $128	Central locations, solo or couple, no kids

Leasing tip: If you're on the fence, leasing is almost always the right choice for expats. You get the flexibility of a car without the COE risk or the stress of selling when you leave. Monthly costs are predictable and usually include insurance and maintenance.

Our verdict

If you're a couple or single, living centrally, and here for under 3 years — skip the car. The maths almost never works out in your favour, and Singapore's public transport will serve you well.

If you have children doing school runs, live outside the central belt, plan to stay 3+ years, or simply value having a car available — leasing is the smart first move. It gives you the benefits of a car without locking in capital on a depreciating COE.

Buying makes sense only for longer-term residents (5+ years) who want to build equity in a vehicle, or who use a car heavily enough to justify the higher upfront outlay.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions Patrick gets asked most often.