Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Singapore
Singapore, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city-state in Southeast Asia, is an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a dynamic and engaging living experience. With its world-class infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary scene, Singapore offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition that is sure to captivate and inspire. In this article, we will explore seven captivating cities and towns within Singapore that have proven to be popular among digital nomads, each boasting its own distinct attractions, nightlife, restaurants, and recreational activities.
Tiong Bahru
Located in the central part of Singapore, Tiong Bahru is a charming and historic neighborhood that has undergone an impressive revitalization in recent years. Once known for its traditional shophouses and laid-back atmosphere, Tiong Bahru is now home to a burgeoning arts scene, trendy cafes, and numerous co-working spaces. Digital nomads will appreciate the area's central location, as well as its close proximity to the vibrant Orchard Road shopping district and the scenic Singapore River.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in Tiong Bahru can be rented for around SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,500 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost approximately SGD 150. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink comes in at around SGD 30.
Nomad Tip: A must-visit attraction in Tiong Bahru is the Tiong Bahru Market, where digital nomads can sample a wide variety of local dishes and interact with friendly locals. Be sure to try the famous chicken rice and laksa.
Where to Stay & Eat: For accommodations, consider staying at The Alma or The Sultans, both of which offer stylish and fully furnished apartments. When it comes to dining, Tiong Bahru is home to numerous cafes and restaurants, including the popular Forty Hands and Bakery Brera.
Joo Chiat/Katong
Located in the eastern part of Singapore, Joo Chiat and Katong are two picturesque neighborhoods that are known for their colorful shophouses, eclectic cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Digital nomads will appreciate the area's laid-back atmosphere, as well as its close proximity to the stunning East Coast Park and the historic Temple of Thousand Lights. With its numerous co-working spaces and reliable internet connections, Joo Chiat and Katong are an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a balance between work and play.
Cost of Living: Renting a furnished apartment in Joo Chiat/Katong can cost around SGD 2,000 to SGD 3,500 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost approximately SGD 150. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink comes in at around SGD 25.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to explore the shophouses of Joo Chiat and Katong, many of which have been transformed into art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Be sure to visit the iconic Chijmes, a cluster of beautiful colonial buildings that now houses a variety of bars and restaurants.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at The Scarlett or The Wanderlust, both of which offer stylish and fully furnished apartments. For dining, Joo Chiat and Katong offer a diverse range of options, including the popular Kebab Turki and Katong Ipoh Road Hawker Centre.
Dhoby Ghaut
Located in the heart of Singapore, Dhoby Ghaut is a bustling and cosmopolitan neighborhood that is home to numerous embassies, universities, and cultural institutions. Digital nomads will appreciate the area's convenient location, as well as its abundance of co-working spaces, cafes, and recreational facilities. With its lively nightlife scene and proximity to attractions such as the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum, Dhoby Ghaut is an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a vibrant and engaging living experience.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in Dhoby Ghaut can be rented for around SGD 2,500 to SGD 4,500 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost approximately SGD 180. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink comes in at around SGD 35.
Nomad Tip: Be sure to visit the National Museum of Singapore, which offers a fascinating insight into Singapore's rich history and cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the museum's various galleries, including the Singapore History Gallery and the Asian Civilizations Museum.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at Fraser Suites or The Quincy, both of which offer stylish and fully furnished apartments. For dining, Dhoby Ghaut offers a diverse range of options, including the popular Killiney Road Kopitiam and the iconic Old Chang Kee.
Little India
Located in the central part of Singapore, Little India is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that is known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling streets. Digital nomads will appreciate the area's laid-back atmosphere, as well as its abundance of co-working spaces, cafes, and authentic Indian restaurants. With its numerous temples, markets, and festivals, Little India is an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a unique and engaging living experience.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in Little India can be rented for around SGD 1,800 to SGD 3,000 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost approximately SGD 150. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink comes in at around SGD 20.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to explore the numerous markets and temples of Little India, including the famous Mustafa Centre and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Be sure to attend the annual Thaipusam festival, which features a colorful procession of devotees carrying kavadis (piercing instruments) in honor of Lord Murugan.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at The Blytheswood or The Greenwall, both of which offer stylish and fully furnished apartments. For dining, Little India offers a diverse range of options, including the iconic Komala Vilas and the popular Ananda Bhavan Vegetarian Restaurant.
Orchard Road
Located in the central part of Singapore, Orchard Road is a vibrant and cosmopolitan shopping district that is home to numerous luxury brands, department stores, and restaurants. Digital nomads will appreciate the area's convenient location, as well as its abundance of co-working spaces, cafes, and recreational facilities. With its lively nightlife scene and proximity to attractions such as the National Orchid Garden and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road is an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a luxurious and engaging living experience.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in Orchard Road can be rented for around SGD 4,000 to SGD 6,000 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost approximately SGD 200. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink comes in at around SGD 50.
Nomad Tip: Be sure to visit the National Orchid Garden, which offers a stunning display of over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the various themed gardens, including the Fragrant Garden and the Rainforest Garden.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at Orchard Parade Hotel or The Quincy, both of which offer stylish and fully furnished apartments. For dining, Orchard Road offers a diverse range of options, including the iconic Ion Orchard and the popular Din Tai Fung.
Geylang
Located in the eastern part of Singapore, Geylang is a historic and eclectic neighborhood that is known for its vibrant nightlife scene and diverse culinary offerings. Digital nomads will appreciate the area's central location, as well as its abundance of co-working spaces, cafes, and authentic local restaurants. With its numerous temples, markets, and parks, Geylang is an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking an authentic and engaging living experience.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in Geylang can be rented for around SGD 1,500 to SGD 3,000 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost approximately SGD 120. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink comes in at around SGD 15.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to explore the numerous hawker centers and markets of Geylang, including the famous Geylang Serai Market and the famous Lorong 24A Food Centre. Be sure to try the famous Hainanese chicken rice and the delicious satay skewers.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at The Studio @ Geylang or The Alma, both of which offer stylish and fully furnished apartments. For dining, Geylang offers a diverse range of options, including the iconic Chinatown and the popular Blk 27 Market & Food Centre.
Sentosa Island
Located off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island is a vibrant and resort-style destination that is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class attractions, and luxurious accommodations. Digital nomads will appreciate the area's convenient location, as well as its abundance of co-working spaces, cafes, and recreational facilities. With its lively nightlife scene and proximity to attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium, Sentosa Island is an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a luxurious and engaging living experience.
Cost of Living: A furnished apartment on Sentosa Island can be rented for around SGD 4,500 to SGD 8,000 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost approximately SGD 250. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant with one drink comes in at around SGD 70.
Nomad Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to explore the various attractions of Sentosa Island, including the stunning Palawan Beach, the thrilling rides of Universal Studios Singapore, and the fascinating S.E.A. Aquarium. Be sure to attend the Sentosa Cable Car Sky Show, which offers stunning views of the island and the surrounding waters.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at Quayside Isle or W Singapore - Sentosa Cove, both of which offer stylish and fully furnished apartments. For dining, Sentosa Island offers a diverse range of options, including the iconic Ocean Restaurant and the popular Coastes.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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