Singapore has some of the highest utility costs in Southeast Asia, according to online cost-of-living database Numbeo.

On average, households in Singapore pay $209.50 a month for electricity, water, cooling, and garbage collection – a hefty sum by global standards.

However, when factoring in Singapore’s relatively high wages, this amount accounts for only 3.7 per cent of the average monthly income, making it more affordable for residents compared to many countries in Europe and beyond.

In comparison to other Asian nations, Singapore’s utility costs are significantly higher.

For instance, Indonesia pays just $91.23 for similar services, while Malaysia and China average around $64.88 and $70.93, respectively.

While these figures may seem modest, they represent a much larger share of the average wage in these countries.

In Indonesia, for example, the typical utility bill takes up a staggering 20.9 per cent of the average salary, leaving many households financially strained.

While India boasts the cheapest utility bills at just $55.52, even the Philippines at $140.41 is much more affordable than Singapore.

However, many of these countries benefit from energy subsidies or cheaper local resources, which help keep costs low.

Globally, Singapore’s utility costs are on par with other high-income nations, though still far cheaper than places like Austria, Germany and the United Kingdom, where monthly bills can reach over $415.

The UK’s average utility bills account for about 10 per cent of the average monthly wage while Germany is power rates now account for 10.7 per cent of the average monthly income.

As inflationary pressures and energy crises continue to affect countries worldwide, Singapore stands out as an expensive place to run a home, but one where high wages help offset the costs.

You can compare Singapore’s average utility bills with other countries here.