Thinking about relocating to Singapore? You're not alone. With its clean streets, low crime rate, and booming economy, Singapore is one of the most desirable places to live in Asia and the world at large. When planning your relocation, your accommodation is one of the key things to consider. During your Singapore immigration process, securing suitable accommodation from the hundreds of accommodations Singapore offers is essential. We’ve compiled a list of the best areas to stay in Singapore to make your search easier. Let’s get into it.
1. Orchard Road
Originally a nutmeg plantation, Orchard Road is an iconic area in Singapore. Whether as a resident or tourist, staying in a location where you can access things easily is top-tier. Orchard Road is popularly known for its accessibility to many stores, luxurious hotels with rooftop pools, and local attractions. This makes it Singapore's best area to stay for those who love convenience. Orchard Road is home to some of the best department stores, boutique shops, and shopping malls. These shopping centers provide everything from luxury to cheap fashion.
Beyond shopping, Orchard Road offers a great mix of restaurants, cafes, tropical gardens, and nightlife spots that keep your stay far from boring. It is also close to clinics, fitness centers, and golf courses, which makes it one of the best areas to stay in Singapore. Orchard Road is also well-connected with the MRT station, making commuting to other parts of Singapore efficient.
Orchard Road has many international schools where students can easily integrate without fear of being left out. Rental prices in Orchard Road vary depending on the type of apartment you are looking for. However, you can expect a price range of SGD 4,500 to SGD 6,000 per month, with good amenities such as air conditioning, a well-equipped bathroom, and sometimes, a private pool or even an infinity swimming pool. The area also offers spectacular views of the Singapore skyline.
2. The Civic District
If you’re an art and history lover, this colonial district is the best area to stay in Singapore. The Civic District houses the City Hall, Supreme Court, and National Gallery Singapore, all of which are historical landmarks in Singapore. Overall, this colonial district is rich in culture and history.
Located on the island and with a pedestrian-friendly layout, the Civic District is linked to several places of interest. This includes the Bras Basah-Bugis district, Marina Bay waterfront, and Fort Canning Park, which you can explore at will. Likewise, the Civic District is a perfect location for those who love a serene atmosphere, far from the buzz of the downtown area and its central location.
For a perfect condo, prices range from SGD 4000 to 6,500 per month. Many of the apartments in the Civic District offer a panoramic view of Marina Bay and Fort Canning Park, which is worth waking up to every day. You'll also be close to Raffles City Market and can enjoy shopping and dining in style.
3. Chinatown
A perfect description of Chinatown in Singapore is that it is colorful and budget-friendly. Not just that, it’s an excellent place for expat families, as it’s child-friendly. Chinatown is a prime location for adventure, and the Chinatown walking trail is one place you shouldn't miss exploring. During the Chinatown walking trail experience, you get to explore beautiful temples, including Chinese and Hindu temples. A visit to the Chinatown Heritage Centre will also enrich your stay.
If you want to explore and mix with the locals, taking a tour of Chinatown’s market is an excellent idea. Here, you will meet food hawkers and local vendors where you can get things at cheap prices. In Chinatown’s city center, Club Street runs across Ann Siang Hill and Cross Street, which shows how accessible it is. It's great for vibrant nightlife, an excellent dining scene, and an interactive social scene.
When it comes to accessibility, the area is conveniently located near the MRT Chinatown Station, making it easy to navigate. It has an average price in the neighborhood range of SGD 2,800 to SGD 4,000 per month. For families, they can opt for a 2-3 bedroom apartment, which has an average monthly price range of SGD 5,600. Don’t forget to enjoy a classic Singapore Sling at one of the area's popular bars.
4. Marina Bay
There are many reasons why Marina Bay is one of the best areas to stay in Singapore. Marina Bay is just right, especially for first-timers who love comfort and stunning views. It offers a beautiful mix of luxury, convenience, and adventure.
When it comes to work-life balance, Marina Bay can make that easier for you with numerous adventures and places to relax. From its iconic Marina Bay Sands to the ArtScience Museum, Singapore Flyover, Merlion Park, and tropical gardens like the Gardens by the Bay with beautiful hanging gardens, all of which are within walking distance.
If you dream of experiencing life in Marina Bay, then you should not hesitate to book a spot in this area. For a one-bedroom condo in Marina Bay, expect to pay between SGD 5,500 and 8,000 per month. Although this might be on the higher side, apartments in Marina Bay are located within a building complex that offers premium services. This usually includes infinity pools, fitness facilities, and sometimes laundry service. You’ll also enjoy scenic views of the Singapore skyline and proximity to the Central Business District, making it perfect for professionals.
5. Sentosa Island
We can’t mention the best areas to stay in Singapore without mentioning Sentosa Island. Imagine having access to the Sentosa resort and beach at will; that is what staying on Sentosa Island affords you. Sentosa Island is one of the most visited places in Singapore and one of the best areas to stay in Singapore. Monthly rent for a luxury apartment or beach villa ranges from SGD 6,000 to 12,000.
It might interest you that Sentosa Island is not natural; it’s an artificial island, adding to the thrill of staying there. After a long work week, there are a lot of locations and excellent restaurants you and your friends or family can explore. You can also explore the Sentosa beaches, including Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, or relax at Rasa Sentosa Resort.
Sentosa Island features residential building complexes and skyscrapers equipped with ample amenities, including gyms, outdoor pools, and even rooftop decks. Some long-term accommodations, such as Raffles Sentosa and Sentosa Cove, offer private pools. Staying on Sentosa Island provides proximity to Raffles Place Station, making it convenient for commuters. Of course, a trip to Universal Studios Singapore is always a good idea!
6. Mandai
One of the things that will interest you as a nature and wildlife lover hoping to stay in Mandai is its wildlife reserve. This reserve comprises the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise, all of which offer opportunities to interact with animals and wildlife. Aside from being home to wildlife, Mandai green gardens and lush greenery offer a calm ambiance perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Other things you can do include dining at one of the excellent restaurants in the area, and a good recommendation is the Crimson Restaurant and Hilltop Cafe. Being one of Singapore’s cheapest areas to stay, you can expect prices ranging from SGD 2,500 per month. The area also offers easy access to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and serves as an excellent base for a peaceful lifestyle.
7. Little India
If you desire a strong sense of community and cultural diversity, then look no further; Little India has all of these and more. You can enjoy excellent restaurants serving delicious food, stunning architecture, lush gardens, temples, and markets, as well as the popular Serangoon Road, which is the heart of Little India.
In addition, Little India has an excellent layout and accessibility as it is close to the Little India MRT station. This MRT station is well connected to Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown Station, and Jalan Besar via the Downtown Line (DTL) and the North East Line (NEL). Known for its vibrant culture and affordability, Little India is one of Singapore's top areas to stay for those who enjoy ethnic diversity, community vibes, and delicious food.
Rentals here start from SGD 2,000 to SGD 3,500, with a mix of flats, shophouses, and newer apartments. Some hotels, such as the Farrer Hotels, offer apartments, suites, and villas for long-term stays. You’ll also find shopping options, such as Bugis Junction Mall, and easy transportation to Bugis Station.
8. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is a lovely neighborhood that is a beautiful mix of ancient charm and modern lifestyle. It's known for its historical architecture, excellent restaurants, trendy cafes, and a strong sense of community. Let’s throw it back to the early 20th century. Tiong Bahru houses the first public housing estate in Singapore, which is still carefully preserved to this day. There are a lot of historical facts that make it worthwhile to stay.
Generally, Tiong Bahru is a perfect location that gives a community-oriented lifestyle. You get access to shopping centers, fitness facilities, and clinics. Likewise, Tiong Bahru is super close to Orchard and the Central Business District, making it one of the perfect locations for young professionals and couples. Being one of the best areas to stay in Singapore, the price range of living in this area is SGD 2,200 and SGD 7,000. You might even find properties with a pool villa or swimming pool included.
9. The Three Quays
Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, and Boat Quay are neighborhoods situated on the Singapore River, renowned for their delicious food, excellent entertainment, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the Singapore River Quays, each of these quays offers different things. While Clarke Quay is more tourist-oriented, Robertson Quay is residential-oriented. Lastly, there is Boat Quay, a place that offers a serene stay and stunning views, as it’s closer to the Singapore River. Also, these quays provide easy access to connect with other areas, including Marina Bay and the Central Business District.
Whether you want to enjoy nightlife and an overall vibrant scene or a quieter place, staying in any of these quays is the perfect location for that. Rents in the Singapore Quays vary with each quay and the apartment you’re going for, but you can expect a price range of SGD 4,500 to 6,000 per month. And yes, Universal Studios Singapore isn’t too far off for weekend adventures.
10. Kampong Glam
Trendy, diverse, and historic, that's what the Kampong Glam embodies. Known for its key streets, including Arab Street Centre, Haji Lane, and Bussorah Street, among others, staying in the area promises to be an enjoyable experience. Kampong Glam is a hotspot for artists and entrepreneurs, which means you can easily get your groceries and daily needs within walking distance.
Kampong Glam offers coworking spaces such as Crane at the Arab Street Centre and a coworking space at CUBE Boutique Hotel. This coworking space fosters networking, as you interact with people from diverse industries and traditional workplaces.
Regarding accessibility, public transit is not an issue, and the area is easily accessible to other areas, such as Bugis Street, Haji Lane, and the Sultan Mosque, via the MRT station. If you're looking for a creative, diverse environment, this is one of Singapore's best areas to stay. Rent in Kampong Glam has an average price of SGD 3,000. The proximity to Singapore Gardens and Bugis Junction Mall adds to the area's charm.
11. The Central Business District (CBD)
Luxury, work, and leisure—that's what the Central Business District offers in abundance. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Singapore, and it's perfect for relocators working in finance, tech, law, or consulting firms. Rent starts as low as SGD 4,000 and can range up to SGD 7,000 per month, depending on your apartment choice. Though expensive, the CBD offers many amenities, including major shopping malls, rooftop lounges, entertainment venues, and access to the Singapore skyline.
You’ll also find infinity pools and wellness centers in many residential towers. With its seamless MRT connections, proximity to Raffles Place Station, and endless job opportunities, the CBD is an excellent choice for professionals who want everything within reach.
12. Telok Ayer
Telok Ayer is a vibrant historic area known for its rich religious and cultural heritage sites. Chinese temples, historic buildings, and preserved shophouses dot the streets. Walkability is a big plus here, with easy access to trendy cafes, art galleries, boutique shops, and restaurants. Telok Ayer is ideal for professionals who want a blend of heritage and modern comfort.
The neighborhood is well connected to the CBD, Chinatown, and the Downtown MRT station, ensuring hassle-free commuting. Telok Ayer rentals typically range from SGD 3,500 to SGD 5,500, often in charming shophouses or boutique apartments with amenities such as an infinity swimming pool or private terraces.
13. Bugis Street
If you're after an energetic and colorful lifestyle, Bugis Street delivers. The area is best known for Bugis Street Market, where cheap fashion finds, electronics, souvenirs, and local snacks abound. But Bugis is more than shopping, it also houses indie cinemas, hip eateries, and Singapore street culture. The area is also linked to Little India and Jalan Besar via Bugis MRT station, ensuring great connectivity.
Bugis is a haven for students, digital creatives, and young professionals. Rent here ranges between SGD 3,000 to 5,000 per month. You’ll also enjoy access to Bugis Junction Mall, Intercontinental Singapore hotels, and a bustling social life.
14. Katong
Looking for a blend of tradition, culture, and calm residential living? Katong is your answer. Located in the eastern part of Singapore, this charming neighborhood is one of the best areas to stay in Singapore. It's known for its Peranakan culture, old shophouses, and excellent local eateries. The Joo Chiat district brings a vibrant color palette, while its proximity to East Coast Park makes it ideal for families.
Katong is great for expats, retirees, and families alike. Modern condos, villas, and colorful houses dominate the housing options. Rental prices in Katong range between SGD 3,000 and 5,000. Plus, you’re never far from swimming pools and schools, making it one of the most family-friendly places in the city.
15. Tanjong Pagar
Tanjong Pagar is a unique mix of high-rise living, traditional shophouses, and top-tier food. Located near the Central Business District, this area is ideal for food enthusiasts and professionals. It boasts Michelin-star restaurants, heritage streets, wellness studios, and MRT access linking to Jalan Besar and Bugis.
Rent here ranges from SGD 4,000 to SGD 5,500. You’ll enjoy proximity to the Singapore River, Intercontinental Singapore offerings, and vibrant nightlife, all without sacrificing access to a pool villa or modern amenities.
Conclusion
There you have it all, the best areas to stay in Singapore. From calm, residential, and convenient locations to vibrant areas, Singapore offers it all. Whether you’re moving solo or with your family, Singapore offers options to suit every lifestyle and budget. From the hundreds of accommodations Singapore offers, you can pick the best and most convenient location for yourself. With access to the Singapore skyline, MRT Chinatown Station, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and even Universal Studios, you’re in for an unforgettable stay.
