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Moving from Singapore to America
The Ultimate Guide for Costs, Visas, and Life in the US
Moving to America from Singapore, in other words, moving to the other side of the globe is a big step. Thinking about your flights, how to ship everything and the visas can be overwhelming. In this article, you can find everything about moving to America, from costs, visas, and taxes to the best places to live.
What can you find here?
Cost of Moving to America
The average cost of moving to America is between S$ 9,187 and S$ 23,439.
| Size of the Apartment | Cost of Moving |
| 1 BD Apartment | S$ 9,187 – S$ 10,157 |
| 3 BD Apartment | S$ 14,134 – S$ 15,656 |
| 5 BD Apartment | S$ 21,201 – S$ 23,439 |
*These prices are estimates and fluctuate based on season, route, and volume.
As the cost of moving depends on the volume of your shipment, the most accurate way to know how much it costs to move to the US is by knowing your moving volume. Use our volume calculator to estimate your volume before choosing movers.
International Moving Companies: Singapore to America
Big international moves such as Singapore to America are difficult to realize alone. Good moving companies can handle everything from packing your house to unpacking your belongings in the right rooms.
Below are some of the best moving companies from Singapore to America. If you want more options, please look at all our international moving companies.
Request Quotes
Are you looking for the best deal? Requesting quotes from multiple movers increases your chances of finding the best deals for your move. Fill in our quote form and receive up to 5 moving quotes from international movers. Find your best deal now!
Visa Requirements for America
Singapore is one of the countries that belong to the US Visa Waiver Program. This means that if you stay for less than 90 days for business or tourism you will not need to obtain a visa. You only need a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
How to apply for a US visa in Singapore?
If you are moving or planning to stay in America for more than 90 days, you must apply for a visa. You can apply for one on the government travel site choosing the correct visa type.
Below you can find the most common visa types for US visas from Singapore:
- Family Based Visa
- Employment Visa
- Adoption Visa
- Special Immigrant Visa
- Diversity Visa
Find all the visas on the government site for travel. The application for the visa can be done on the US embassy site, and they accept payments in Singapore dollars or credit cards.
Taxes in Singapore vs. America
Singapore and America do not have a tax treaty in place, which means your income abroad will also be subject to taxation in the States. Compared to Singapore, the highest tax rate in America is 37% (45% in Singapore). However, if you have income in Singapore, you might be subject to double taxes, which might increase your overall taxes.
The IRS website provides more information about international taxpayers in the US and how to file your taxes.
Below you can find the tax bracket rates in America:
| Tax Rate | Income |
| 10% | S$0 – S$14,380 |
| 12% | S$14,301 – S$58,467 |
| 22% | S$58,468 – S$124,681 |
| 24% | S$124,682 – S$238,055 |
| 32% | S$238,056 – S$302,308 |
| 35% | S$302,309 – S$755,770 |
| 37% | S$755,771+ |
*Source: IRS
Banking in the USA
When moving countries it’s often beneficial to open a bank account in the country you move to. Banking in the USA works the same as in most countries. Foreigners can open a US bank account by providing the following information:
- Proof of address in the US
- Proof of identity (passport, ID, driving license)
- US social security number
- If necessary, proof of income or employment
Finding reliable and good banks in a new country can be challenging. We have gathered some of the best banks US banks for foreigners below:
Cost of Living in the US
The cost of living in the US can be more or less expensive than Singapore depending on the state. For example, the cost of living in Austin is 25% lower than in Singapore, but the cost of living in New York is 19.2% higher. We advise you to research the living expenses in different states before choosing where to move.
Below find the cost of some basic products in Singapore, New York, and Austin:
| Product | Singapore Cost | New York NY Cost | Austin TX Cost |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6.37 | S$ 7.65 | S$ 6.94 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$ 12.59 | S$ 19.21 | S$ 13.71 |
| Water (1,5L) | S$ 1.89 | S$ 3.08 | S$ 2.64 |
| Bottle of Wine | S$ 35.00 | S$ 26.09 | S$ 19.35 |
| Beer (0,5L) | S$ 9.90 | S$ 11.09 | S$ 7.83 |
| Monthly Bus Pass | S$ 120.00 | S$ 174.78 | S$ 58.70 |
| Rent for 1 BD Apartment in center | S$ 3,629.33 | S$ 5,365.22 | S$ 2,918.53 |
*These prices are estimates taken from Numbeo in October 2024.
Life in Singapore vs. The US
Many expats in the US come from all over the world, and many Singaporeans come to the US for either study or work. Life in Singapore vs. The US is very different in many ways, from the climate to safety and costs but it also offers more freedom and diversity.
We have listed some of the differences between life in Singapore vs. The US:
- Cost of living and housing – Most states in the US have much lower costs of living and housing than Singapore. The country has more land and more space, offering cheaper opportunities.
- Transportation – Singapore has a high-functioning public transport system, while in the US many states are heavily reliant on cars.
- Cultural diversity – Singapore is a multicultural hub where various ethnicities and religions cohabitate harmoniously. The US has a diverse culture but the diversity is unevenly distributed, and has a history of racial tensions.
- Work-life balance – The US has fewer labour protection laws implemented than Singapore. Depending on the industry, the work-life balance can be better or worse than in Singapore.
- Healthcare – Compared to Singapore, the US has an expensive and complicated healthcare system.
- Safety and crime – Singapore is known as one of the safest countries in the world, while America has higher crime rates in large urban areas and gun-related violence is more prominent. There are large differences in the safety of different cities and states.
- Climate – The US has a varied climate from the tropical weather of the south to the arctic weather in the north. You can easily find a state that serves your exact climate needs.
Singapore Healthcare System vs. US
Healthcare in the US is divided into public and private providers. However, compared to Singapore, most services are provided by private entities, such as hospitals, clinics, and doctors. The US has the highest healthcare costs in the world with many out-of-pocket expenses even with an insurance plan. You will need to get used to significantly higher healthcare expenses than in Singapore when moving to America.
The public US healthcare insurance only helps people over 65, some people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Otherwise, it relies heavily on private health insurance which you can purchase directly from health insurance providers or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange.
Best Cities to Move to in the US
With 50 states as options, deciding where to move to in America can be overwhelming. Depending on where you end up, there are drastic differences in climate, living costs, job opportunities, and diversity. We recommend you do research and list what qualities are important to you in a city.
Here are some of the best cities to move in the US for expats:
Colorado Springs – Colorado is one of the best places to live for people who love nature. The city is located near the Rocky Mountains and offers plenty of outdoor activities. It’s a family-friendly city with generally mild weather all year round. Colorado offers many networking opportunities due to its large military presence being full of people from different cultures.
New York – New York is known as the city that never sleeps. It offers an endless wave of entertainment and culture, career opportunities, and world-class education. The cultural diversity of New York makes it a great place for expats, offering an easy environment to meet people and form communities with like-minded individuals.
Los Angeles – Los Angeles has a year-round warm climate, making it an easier adjustment climate-wise from Singapore. If you work in the entertainment industry, LA is the place to move to. It’s the hub of entertainment and hosts a diverse population from all over the world. The city also offers many job opportunities from tech to fashion and more.
Texas—Texas is home to various expat-friendly cities, making it ideal for expats looking for a warm welcome. Compared to other states, Texas offers a lower cost of living and is known for its friendly culture. The cities also have booming job opportunities in tech and finance.
Work in the US
If you are moving for work you must acquire a work visa for the US. There are five permanent work visa categories you can choose from. However, if you are moving to work only temporarily you will need a work permit.
The job market in a foreign country can be hard to navigate. Many websites are unreliable or post fake jobs. Figuring out which ones to trust can be difficult. Below are some of the best places to look for jobs in the US:
Education in the US
The education system in the US is decentralized, which leads to many differences between the states, and districts, as well as the public and private schools. This system is significantly different from the centrally governed system in Singapore.
While the Singapore education system is considered to be of higher quality than the American one, the American education system offers more variety such as liberal arts, social sciences, and emerging courses. The USA is a great place to get a university education due to its renowned and accredited universities. Find some of the best universities for Singaporeans here.
