Singapore vs United States
Comprehensive side-by-side comparison for international students deciding between studying in Singapore or United States. Compare tuition fees, living costs, visa policies, university rankings, and career outcomes.
Tuition Fees (Avg Range)
SGD 20,000 - SGD 40,000
USD 35,000 - USD 80,000
Monthly Living Cost
~€2,000/mo
~€1,800/mo
Average City Living Cost
~€1,962/mo
N/A
Post-Study Work Visa
LTVP (Long Term Visit Pass)
1-3 Years (OPT/STEM OPT)
Part-Time Work Hours
16 hours/week during term & full-time in vacations ONLY for approved institutions (e.g. NUS, NTU, SMU)
20-30 hours/week
Minimum Wage
No universal statutory minimum, Progressive Wage Model applies; market rate is S$8 - S$13 / hour
€10 - €15/hour
Average Starting Salary
SGD 50,000 / year
€35,000 - €45,000/year
Top Industries
Finance, Biotech, Data Science, Logistics
Technology, Finance, Healthcare, Aerospace, Entertainment
Climate Overview
Tropical rainforest climate; hot, humid, and rainy year-round with little seasonal variation.
Varies by region. Check specific city details.
Safety Index
Exceptional (Global Peace Index 2025 Rank: #6)
High
Total Universities Listed
20 universities
25 universities
Scholarships Available
4 scholarships
3 scholarships