We're all feeling the pinch of rising costs, especially when it comes to raising a family in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Here's how you can manage these costs, while still having fun (and maybe even saving money!)
It’s no secret that having kids is expensive. We could all be living the high life if we were saving the money we spend on preschool or international school fees. From tuition to enrichment classes, healthcare and the increasing costs of attraction and event tickets in Singapore to enjoy a family day out, there’s no denying it. Raising a child in Singapore has become more expensive than ever.
In fact, a recent Dollars & Sense report estimates the total cost of raising a child in Singapore from birth to age 18 to be around SGD 237,600. And that’s without including discretionary expenses like overseas enrichment trips or tertiary education. That number is eye-watering for many parents already feeling the pinch!
So what’s behind these rising costs? And what can we as parents in Singapore do to manage them without compromising on quality of life?
How much does it really cost to raise a child in Singapore?
The 2025 Dollars & Sense article breaks down the cost of raising a child in Singapore as follows:
Pregnancy and delivery: SGD 5,500 – 20,000
First 4 years (infant/toddler): Approx. SGD 23,700/year
Age 5–18 (schooling years): Approx. SGD 9,500/year
Total by age 18: ~SGD 237,600
And that’s just for essentials. Enrichment classes, digital gadgets, private healthcare, and international holidays can easily push this figure much higher.
Education: The biggest budget buster
It’s no surprise that education is one of the biggest contributors to parenting costs. While public school fees are relatively low for Singapore citizens, enrichment classes, tuition, and private schools add up quickly. International school fees are nothing short of astronomical. Check out our School Selector to see how your school compares to others in their fee structure.
A recent study reported by the Straits Times suggests that parents spent a whopping SGD 1.8 billion on private tuition fees in 2023. Parents cite growing competition for DSA placements and PSLE prep as key drivers of tuition spending. It’s getting crazy out here!
Hidden (and not-so-hidden) costs that add up
Beyond formal schooling, here are a few often-overlooked expenses that Singapore parents are dealing with:
– Digital devices and subscriptions: Laptops, tablets, e-learning apps, and YouTube Premium.
– Mental health and therapy: Increasingly prioritised, but rarely cheap.
– Organic or sustainable baby products: Great for our kids health, not always great for the family budget.
– Experiential enrichment and holidays: Often viewed as “must-haves” for holistic learning.
What can you do to manage these costs?
No, crying into your morning coffee (or evening glass of wine) won’t help. Here are some practical ways families are coping with the rising cost of raising kids in Singapore:
1. Tap on Government support
Singapore offers a robust range of subsidies and grants for families. These include:
– Baby Bonus Cash Gift: Now up to SGD 11,000 for 1st and 2nd child.
– Child Development Account (CDA): Dollar-for-dollar matching up to SGD 4,000–10,000.
– Subsidised childcare: Up to 75% for eligible families through ECDA.
If you’re curious about how to access the financial support, subsidies and benefits available, head to Made for Families SG.
2. Plan by stage and create a monthly budget
Parenting is like a long-haul project, and budgeting is your best friend. Use budget apps like Goodbudget or Excel trackers to map out recurring expenses and upcoming milestones (e.g. P1 transition, orthodontics, etc).
3. Go preloved
Singapore has a great community of parents selling or giving away gently used gear on platforms like:
– Carousell
– Facebook Groups (e.g. “Preloved Baby Items Singapore”, “Toy Swaps SG”)
– Retykle (preloved kids designer fashion!) Check out what we found when we visited, over on Instagram.
4. Free doesn’t mean less fun!
This island may be one of the most expensive cities to live in, but we’ve rounded up the best free things to do and places to visit in Singapore for free with your kids. You’ll want to bookmark this list!
The Bigger Picture: Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life
Yes, Singapore continues to be ranked one of the most expensive cities in the world to live, but it also offers some of the highest safety, education, and healthcare standards globally. As part of the Made for Families initiative, Singapore continues to expand its support for young families, from baby grants and workplace flexibility to new family-centric community spaces like Singhealth’s Family Nexus.
Raising children in Singapore doesn’t come cheap, but we wouldn’t change it for anything. We love our Little Red Dot! With government support, careful budgeting, and a focus on what truly matters, your family can thrive without going broke. After all, your child doesn’t need everything. Just you, doing your best.
Share with us! What’s your monthly kid budget? How are you navigating rising parenting costs in Singapore? Share your thoughts and tips with us on Instagram or in our HoneyKids Facebook Group!
