5 Singapore neighbourhoods for renters on a budget

Despite Singapore’s small size, choices abound for renters as the city is divided into 28 zones – located within the North, South, East, West and Central regions. With location being a key consideration because of travelling time to work or school, we scour through the options to give you 99.co’s top affordable picks.

North: Admiralty

With the government’s plans to spruce up the district, the North may well be the next hot place to live. Admiralty is an economical choice that is both close to the causeway and the MRT network. City Direct service 665 from the nearby Woodlands and Marsiling neighbourhoods takes commuters on an express route to the Central Business District.

On the weekends, café hopping in Johor is always on the cards, as well as a visit to the Singapore Zoo or chilling at Woodlands Waterfront Park – an 11-hectare coastal spot with a panoramic view.

Rents for HDBs start from $500 a month for a room, and $1,500 for a whole unit.

South: Bukit Merah

The Bukit Merah estate is tucked between Redhill and Tiong Bahru MRT stations. With plenty of affordable food options around, renters on a budget will have an easier time keeping monthly expenses in check. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate trekking along the Southern Ridges. Shoppers will love that Orchard Road – Singapore’s prime shopping district – is just a 25-minute bus ride away.

Rents start from $2,200.

East: Bedok

One cannot elaborate on the Bedok neighbourhood without mentioning its popular food establishments. Foodies will rejoice at having the bustling Fengshan Market & Food Centre, and a slew of traditional eateries at Katong and East Coast Road in their backyard. Think barbecued chicken wings, bak chor mee (minced meat noodles) and ah balling (glutinous rice balls) in peanut soup. Then, go for a run at Bedok Reservoir Park to burn the calories off.

Rents for HDBs start from $400 a month for a room, and $1,600 for a whole unit.
Rents for condos start from $400 a month for a room, and $2,450 for a whole unit.

West: Boon Lay

Don’t be daunted by the prospect of living in the far West. Renting a room in Boon Lay may put you a distance from the city, but the vicinity is a one-stop dining and retail hub in its own right. The neighbourhood is home to large malls like Jurong Point, and the nearby Westgate and Jem. Boon Lay also plays host to a selection of late-night dining options in joints such as Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak – perfect for supper goers and stressed students in need of a boost.

Rents for HDBs start from $550 a month for a room, and $2,000 for a whole unit.
Rents for condos start from $750 a month for a room, and $2,400 for a whole unit.

Central/City: Whampoa

Renting a room in Whampoa may be one of pricier options on this list, but the small premium paid goes into convenience. The estate is a short distance to Orchard Road, Raffles City and the Central Business District. For those looking to rent with their elderly parents, Whampoa is one of the stops of Singapore’s first mobile Community Health Centre, where residents can benefit from nurse counselling services for chronic conditions such as hypertension and high cholesterol.

Rents for HDBs start from $500 a month for a room, and $1,800 for a whole unit.
Rents for condos start from $800 a month for a room, and $1,900 for a whole unit.

Check out other rental related articles here: Renting on a budget: What you need to know and 9 budget renovation hacks that’ll save you thousands!

Find the rental home of your dreams today at Singapore’s largest property portal 99.co!