I Need a Cheap Room for Rent in Singapore Right Now: A Smart Guide on Where to Get the Best Deals (2023)

Searching for a cheap room for rent in Singapore shouldn’t be too hard, right? Yes… and no. While there are plenty of listings when you type “cheap room rentals Singapore”, “single room for rent in Singapore” or “room for rent SG”, you want to make sure that they aren’t duds. Naturally, you’d want to use reputable sites like PropertyGuru!

Obviously, when searching for cheap rooms for rent in Singapore, price is a big consideration. That’s why we’ve created this guide with the latest prices in mind (based on PropertyGuru listings, accurate as of 19 October 2023).

Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or simply someone in search of a budget-friendly single room for rent in Singapore, this guide is for you!

Table of Contents

• Should I rent in Singapore?
• How much is rent in Singapore in 2023?
• How much it costs to rent in different neighbourhoods in Singapore
• Cheap room rentals Singapore: Central region
• Cheap room rentals Singapore: East region
• Cheap room rentals Singapore: West region
• Cheap room rentals Singapore: North region
• Cheap room rentals Singapore: North-East region
• Single room for rent in Singapore: Getting cheap room rentals in Singapore

Should I Rent in Singapore?

You want it now, and you want it low. Getting a cheap room for rent in Singapore can be like a treasure hunt, but does it suit your circumstances, needs and lifestyle?

Some reasons why people look for a single room for rent in Singapore are because they desire independence or privacy, and renting a room is the most cost-effective, especially if they cannot afford to buy private housing or are not eligible to purchase an HDB flat.

In addition, young professionals may decide to look for cheap rooms for rent in Singapore in order to live closer to their workplace to reduce commute time. They may also want to focus on growing their career – and having their own space could be helpful.

Other reasons why people decide to look for a room for rent in SG could be due to an urgent need for accommodation. They could be a single parent with nowhere to go, a working couple stranded by a shortened lease, or even a young family looking to stay near their school of choice.

In any case, before considering renting a room for whatever reason, you first need to assess your financial situation, think about the duration of your rental contract, and what other factors are important to you, such as the surrounding amenities, transport links, and proximity to the city centre.

How Much Is Rent in Singapore 2023?  

Currently, single rooms for rent in Singapore can cost anywhere between $380 to over $3,000 a month to rent.

Following record-high rent prices in Singapore at the start of 2023, there seems to be good news in the second half of the year. According to the PropertyGuru Singapore Property Market Report Q3 2023, the Singapore rental market has shown signs of slowing down; it reported that the Singapore Property Rental Price Index fell 2.9% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), the first recorded decline since 2018.

This trend is likely to continue as more BTO flats complete and condos receive their Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), pulling demand away from the rental market. As mortgage interest rates continue moving sideways, landlords may also feel less of a need to raise rent prices.

However, the easing of rent prices is expected to happen gradually. Hence, patience is key if you are on a shoestring budget.

How Much It Costs to Rent in Different Neighbourhoods in Singapore

Do note that you will need to check with the landlord if the room is shareable, or if the landlord intends to have more than one tenant in one room. Such terms must be spelt out in your Tenancy Agreement (TA) to avoid disputes down the line, finger-pointing, and ‘he said, she said’.

Which Part of Singapore Has the Cheapest Rent?

You’ll notice that room rentals further away from the city centre of Singapore tend to be more affordable. This is because most tenants prefer to stay within closer proximity to the city centre, which tends to prop rent prices up.

The central area of Singapore boasts fancier restaurants and more premium shopping. It is also the most convenient area to meet friends and loved ones over weekends and where most of Singapore’s nightlife happens. Many big offices are located in the area too.

Of course, that is not to say you won’t be able to find cheap room rentals in Singapore within the central region.

Cheap Rooms for Rent in Singapore: Central Region

The Central Region sits at the bustling heart of Singapore, stretching towards the Downtown Core and further south to Sentosa.

In the Central Region, you will find the Central Business District (CBD), the signature Marina Bay skyline, modern infrastructure, and a wide range of cultural, commercial, and recreational attractions that include Chinatown, shopping behemoth Orchard Road, and the civic district, which houses various museums.

City living is at its finest in the Central Region, where the best amenities are within easy reach. Stay close to the glitz and glamour of the classiest shopping malls, while also being a short ride away from the economic powerhouses where you can earn top-dollar. Entertainment, culture, and even choice schools are also densely gathered in the Central Region.

In the Central Region, the further away you are from the epicentre, the cheaper the rooms are. Some neighbourhoods also have older buildings or are in the heartland areas, which helps bring down rents.

Although rents here are typically higher than in other regions of Singapore, you can find cheaper rooms for rent outside of the CBD itself, for example in Toa Payoh, Geylang, Bishan, Bukit Merah, Kallang, Marine Parade, and Queenstown.

Cheap Room for Rent in Tanjong Pagar

Shiny skyscrapers and office buildings aside, you will also find a nostalgic neighbourhood within Tanjong Pagar, with well-preserved conservation shophouses that now house an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and offices.

Nestled within the concrete jungle are also time-worn food centres, which sell hawker delights at affordable prices. Perhaps the most well-known public housing here is the 50-storey Pinnacle @ Duxton, which was completed in 2009.

This neighbourhood is perfect for those who want to live close to the diverse highlights of this part of the CBD, while also being within walking distance to their workplace.

In addition, due to its proximity to Chinatown, renting a room in Tanjong Pagar allows one to soak up the historical significance of Singapore’s downtown core while experiencing city living.

• $1,100/month: 104 Spottiswoode Park Road
• $1,380/month: 2 Tanjong Pagar Plaza
• $1,380/month: Pinnacle @ Duxton

Cheap Room for Rent in Toa Payoh

Toa Payoh, although located within the Central Region, is full of heartland charm.

In Singapore’s first satellite town, residents enjoy a mix of markets, parks, and community facilities, with close proximity to schools, religious institutions, and medical facilities, making it an attractive choice for families and individuals seeking a well-rounded and comfortable living experience.

From Toa Payoh, transport links are excellent. The big shopping malls of Orchard Road are a short MRT ride away, and travel to all parts of Singapore is quick and convenient too.

Renting a room in Toa Payoh is a no-brainer for those who want to be close to amenities, yet enjoy heartland living. Choice schools nearby are also considered, as they include Raffles Girls’ School, CHIJ Toa Payoh, Maris Stella High School, Pei Chun Public School, St Andrew’s Junior School, and more.

Commuting to work (or play) is also speedy, with three MRT lines – namely the North-South Line (NSL), Circle Line (CCL), and Thomson East-Coast Line (TEL) – passing through the area.

• $450/month: 12 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh
• $480/month: 118 Potong Pasir Avenue 1
• $500/month: 171 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh

Cheap Rooms for Rent in Singapore: East Region

Foodies always say, “East side, best side”. This has some truth, as some of the best food haunts can be found at Bedok 85 Market, Old Airport Road, Katong/Joo Chiat, and more.

The east is also where the popular East Coast Park is located, as well as the Singapore Changi Airport. Uncover a wealth of cultural heritage in the Katong/Joo Chiat area, with preserved shophouses, Peranakan architecture and food. The venture also to this part of Singapore for Changi Business Park, the Singapore Expo and more.

Living in the east is a big draw for culture vultures, especially lovers of vibrant Peranakan designs. Foodies will also flock to the east, balancing the calories with activities along the coast that make for a fantastic cycling route. There are also plenty of offices and schools for young professionals and families.

In the east region of Singapore, you can find the cheapest rooms for rent in areas that include Tampines, Changi, and Pasir Ris. Although away from the Central Region, the housing types in the Katong/Joo Chiat area are mostly private, which means rent costs more. Therefore, your best bet would be the more heartland housing estates.

Cheap Room for Rent in Tampines

Tampines is one of Singapore’s largest and most bustling residential towns. Those living here gravitate to the town centre of the estate, which is located around Tampines MRT station. Here, you will find a bevvy of malls: Tampines Mall, Century Square, and Tampines 1, alongside other main amenities that include Our Tampines Hub, Tampines Regional Library, and more. 

In addition to the wide variety of amenities, residents can also stay active with access to numerous recreational areas, including Bedok Reservoir Park and the picturesque Tampines Eco Green Park, and stay connected through transport links that include the Downtown Line (DTL), the East-West Line (EWL) and the upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL).

There are also major roadways like the Tampines Expressway (TPE) and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE). There are also choice schools here that include St. Hilda’s Primary School, Poi Ching Primary School, Junyuan Primary School, and more.

• $480/month: 252 Tampines Street 21
• $500/month: 827 Tampines Street 81
• $500/month: 701 Tampines Street 71

Cheap Rooms for Rent in Singapore: West Region 

The west region of Singapore is a flourishing area, touted as the next CBD of Singapore.

This diverse and rapidly developing area is known for its mix of residential neighbourhoods, industrial zones, and recreational amenities that include the major shopping malls in Jurong East and Clementi, major tertiary institutes that include the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Polytechnic (SP).

While Tuas is largely industrial, it is still connected to the residential neighbourhoods of Jurong, Clementi, Bukit Panjang, and the upcoming Tengah “forest town” by a variety of MRT lines that also link seamlessly to central Singapore.

The West also provides access to nature and recreational spaces, with attractions like Jurong Lake Gardens and Bukit Batok Nature Park, making it an ideal place for those looking to rent a cheap room.

In this region, you can find the cheapest rooms for rent in many of the residential neighbourhoods… That includes Jurong East, Jurong West, Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, and Choa Chu Kang.

Cheap Room for Rent in Jurong West

Jurong West is a tranquil neighbourhood in the West region of Singapore. Though rather far away from the CBD, residents here have access to major shopping malls that include Westgate, Jem and Jurong Point, just a stone’s throw away.

Those living here are also close to educational institutions such as NTU and a selection of primary and secondary schools. Meanwhile, the picturesque Jurong Lake Gardens provides green spaces for leisure and outdoor activities.

In the near future, when the Jurong Region Line (JRL) is completed, there will be even more connectivity in this part of the island.

• $450/month: 417 Jurong West Street 42
• $450/month: 112 Ho Ching Road
• $450/month: 747 Jurong West Street 73

Cheap Room for Rent in Bukit Batok

Bukit Batok is another serene neighbourhood in the West region of Singapore. This estate is renowned for its lush greenery, including the verdant Bukit Batok Nature Park and iconic Little Guilin, which also serves as an Instagram-worthy photo spot.

Bukit Batok will also benefit from the upcoming JRL, and parents will be happy to send their little ones to choice schools including Princess Elizabeth Primary School.

• $400/month: 293A Bukit Batok Street 21
• $500/month: 503 Bukit Batok Street 52
• $580/month: 152 Bukit Batok Street 11

Cheap Room for Rent in Choa Chu Kang

Another top pick in the West region of Singapore is Choa Chu Kang, which has both MRT and LRT links that connect residents to a mix of family-friendly amenities and to other parts of the island. It is a few stops away from the Bukit Panjang neighbourhood, which has shopping malls that include Hillion Mall and Bukit Panjang Plaza.

• $450/month: 26 Teck Whye Lane
• $500/month: 115 Teck Whye Lane
• $500/month: 613 Choa Chu Kang Street 62

Cheap Rooms for Rent in Singapore: North Region 

Moving on up to the North Region of Singapore, residents living here enjoy green spaces like Yishun Park and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation amidst the urban hustle. Additionally, there are also notable educational institutions here, which include Republic Polytechnic.

This area, in particular Woodlands, has been getting more attention lately, due to the TEL and the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link that will take people across the border in no time.

There are also convenient connections to the Seletar Aerospace Park, which makes the North an increasingly popular choice for professionals working in the aviation and aerospace industries. In this region, you can find the cheapest rooms for rent in Woodlands, Yishun, and Sembawang. 

Cheap Room for Rent in Woodlands

Woodlands, the town closest to the Causeway (first link), was deemed a sleepy neighbourhood until the advent of the Thomson-East Coast Line and RTS Link announcement.

This couldn’t be further from the truth as this lively neighbourhood has the sprawling Causeway Point, Woodlands Civic Plaza, Woodlands Regional Library and more.

The neighbourhood is also known for its lush greenery, with parks and nature reserves like Admiralty Park and the Woodlands Waterfront Park providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisure. 

• $400/month: Woodlands Common Room For Rent at Woodlands Ave 6
• $450/month: 825 Woodlands Street 81
• $450/month: 11 Marsiling Drive

Cheap Rooms for Rent in Singapore: North-East Region 

When one thinks of north-eastern Singapore, the refreshing waterways of Punggol come to mind, as well as the green cycling paths that transverse Sengkang. Meanwhile, the always-busy Serangoon also comes to mind, with Nex a buzzing hive of activity. Hougang too, is a laid-back town that is packed with amenities and good food.

The North-East Region’s connectivity is enhanced by its namesake North-East MRT Line (NEL), major roadways, and expressways that ensure easy access to the city centre and other parts of Singapore. In this region, you can find the cheapest rooms for rent in Hougang, Punggol, and Sengkang.

Cheap Room for rent in Hougang

Hougang in itself is a self-sufficient neighbourhood, comprising a range of essential amenities that include shopping malls like Hougang Mall and Heartland Mall, which house a number of convenient retail outlets and dining options for everyday needs.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Hougang is home to green spaces such as Punggol Park and Hougang Sports and Recreation Centre, providing excellent opportunities for leisure and recreational activities.

For families, the schools here include Holy Innocents’ Primary School and Montfort Secondary School. Coupled with the warm yet chill vibe of the estate, this is a fantastic place for young families.

• $500/month: 154 Hougang Street 11
• $550/month: 502 Hougang Avenue 8
• $550/month: 956 Hougang Street 91

Single Room for Rent in Singapore: Getting Cheap Room Rentals

Renting a room in Singapore can be wallet-friendly, after all. You just need to know where to look!

However, it may not be for everybody, as renting a room within a house means you have a landlord and other tenants to deal with, which means sharing common spaces and adhering to specific rules such as cooking in the kitchen or vying for the washing machine.

While sharing a room with a fellow renter may seem like the most cost-efficient way, it certainly takes away privacy if the person is a total stranger.

Nevertheless, before you begin renting, do read up on key things such as TAs and other things you need to know before sealing the deal with your landlord. If you prefer a space that is designed for co-living, consider these co-living spaces in Singapore that we have compiled.

Don’t fancy any of the listings we’ve suggested in this article? Browse all the HDB rooms for rent on PropertyGuru.

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