Home and settling in
Rent and the main one-off costs of moving into a home.
MOVING TO SINGAPORE WITH CHILDREN
Plan the school, home and family budget as one move.
A practical starting point for internationally mobile families preparing for life and school in Singapore.
Start with real family costsKeep the main family costs visible without trying to predict every expense.
FAMILY BUDGET FRAMEWORK
Add the costs that apply to your family.
Instead of relying on one average, start with four main groups and separate employer support from family-paid costs.
School costs
The relevant school’s published annual fees and the additional items that apply to the child.
Everyday family life
Food, transport, utilities, communication and any childcare or learning support the family chooses.
Health, travel and contingency
Insurance, family travel and a reserve for unexpected costs.
International school costs are more than tuition.
Use the current fee schedule for the relevant school and year group. Additional charges vary, so review them only for the schools on the family’s shortlist.
HOME · SCHOOL · WORK
Compare the daily route before committing.
Test the likely route at the times the family expects to travel. School transport and public transport may follow different routes.
Housing and tenancy
Singapore provides official rental guidance for prospective tenants. For property selection, negotiation and tenancy advice, speak with a licensed property agent.
Introductions can be arranged for MarinaUhak admission families when required.
Medical preparation
Confirm whether the employer’s plan covers each family member and the type of care the family expects to use. Discuss important limits or additional cover directly with the employer or insurer.
EVERYDAY TOOLS
Useful apps for the first weeks in Singapore.
A few familiar tools are enough for the first weeks. Add other services only when the family needs them.
Google Maps
Compare the route between home, school and work at the times your family expects to travel.
Grab · Gojek · TADA
Compare private-hire availability and the fare shown before booking.
A common communication tool for local contacts and service providers.
FairPrice · RedMart
Compare everyday grocery prices and delivery options.
MyTransport.SG · OneMap · myENV
Official tools for public transport, addresses and local weather or environmental information.
FAMILY QUESTIONS
Simple starting points for the move.
These answers are general planning guidance. Specialist decisions remain with the relevant provider or authority.
How much should an international family budget each month?+
A single average is rarely useful. Start with four groups: home, school, everyday family life, and health or contingency. Separate employer-covered items from costs the family will pay directly.
Should we choose a home before choosing a school?+
Review likely school, work and residential areas together. Test the expected travel time before committing to a daily route.
What should we check before signing a tenancy agreement?+
Use Singapore’s current rental guidance and a licensed property agent for the tenancy decision. MarinaUhak can introduce a property professional to families proceeding with school admissions support.
Is employer medical insurance enough for the whole family?+
Coverage differs by employer and policy. Review the family benefits and important exclusions directly with the employer or insurer before relying on the plan.
A practical starting point
This guide brings together common relocation questions. Current rules, service conditions and costs should be confirmed when they become relevant to the family.