At a glance
| Factor | Singapore | London |
|---|---|---|
| Average international school fees (secondary) | SGD 38,000 to 56,000 | GBP 28,000 to 45,000 (post VAT) |
| Dominant curricula | IB, American, British | British, IB, American |
| Cost of living vs London (Expatistan 2026) | About 18 percent cheaper | Baseline |
| Income tax on salary | Up to 22 percent | Up to 45 percent plus NI |
| Family visa | Dependant Pass via EP | Skilled Worker, Global Talent dependants |
| Climate | Hot humid year round | Cool temperate, grey winters |
Singapore is materially cheaper than London at the headline cost-of-living level, but private schools are not necessarily cheaper once VAT is added to London tuition. Singapore has a lower income tax ceiling and a more predictable regulatory environment. London has unmatched cultural depth and the original British school heritage.
Schools landscape side by side
Singapore's market is dominated by a handful of very strong international schools. UWCSEA Dover and East, Tanglin Trust, Singapore American School, Dulwich College Singapore and Stamford American carry most senior expat demand. Capacity is tight in Year 1, Year 7 and Year 12.
London's international school landscape includes The American School in London, International School of London, Southbank International, Halcyon, ACS Cobham (commuter belt) and IB-focused schools just outside the M25 such as Sevenoaks. The UK independent school sector (Westminster, St Paul's, Eton, Wycombe Abbey) is technically open to international families but operates on a separate admissions logic and rarely fits standard relocation timelines.
Not sure which city fits your family?
Take the 5 minute school finder quiz, then run the cost calculator for both cities. You get shortlisted schools plus a side by side relocation budget in under ten minutes.
Fees and value for money
Singapore Tier 1 secondary fees sit at SGD 38,000 to 56,000 (around USD 28,000 to 42,000), plus a one-time refundable building levy of SGD 3,000 to 10,000. Fees are not regulated and rise around 4 to 7 percent per year.
London's international schools charge between GBP 28,000 and GBP 45,000 per year for secondary. Since January 2025, the UK government applies 20 percent VAT on most private school fees. Once you add registration, term deposit, transport and lunches, a top London IB school is typically GBP 42,000 to 48,000 all-in (around USD 53,000 to 60,000). London is now meaningfully more expensive than Singapore at the top of the market. For families with two or three children at senior years, the cumulative VAT load can exceed GBP 60,000 a year, which is enough to tip the relocation decision on its own. Use the cost calculator to model the gap over your assignment length.
Curriculum availability
Both cities cover IB, British and American well. London is the natural home of GCSE and A Level. Singapore leans toward IB Diploma at sixth form with strong American pathways. Both cities have very strong IB Diploma outcomes; for the IB specifically see our IB hub and British curriculum hub.
Neighbourhoods families pick
Singapore families settle in Bukit Timah, Sixth Avenue, the East Coast, Holland Village and Woodlands depending on school choice. A three-bedroom condo in central catchments runs SGD 8,000 to 14,000 per month.
London families pick Notting Hill, Chelsea, Hampstead, St John's Wood and Wandsworth for inner-city schools; Cobham, Esher and Sevenoaks for the international school commuter belt. A four-bedroom family home runs GBP 6,500 to 16,000 per month inner city, GBP 4,500 to 8,500 in the commuter belt.
Lifestyle and climate
Singapore is hot and humid year round, with afternoon storms. The trade-off is excellent public infrastructure, very low crime, easy travel across Asia and a calmer family rhythm than London. London offers cultural depth, world-class museums and parks, temperate weather for outdoor sport year round, and proximity to Europe. Healthcare in both is excellent, with private cover broadly required for international families.
Verdict: who picks which city
Choose Singapore if family rhythm, safety and lower income tax matter most. Children grow up in a calm, well-resourced environment with easy access to the rest of Asia.
Choose London if British school heritage, cultural depth and proximity to Europe are dealbreakers, and your package can absorb the VAT-loaded fee base and UK income tax.
Model both with realistic post-tax salary and three years of school fees per child using the cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Singapore cheaper than London for an expat family in 2026?
Overall yes, by around 18 percent on standard cost-of-living comparisons. Private school fees can be similar once VAT is applied to London. Housing in school catchments is broadly comparable at the top end.
How does the UK VAT on private school fees affect international families?
The 20 percent VAT was introduced in January 2025 and applies to most private school fees in London. International schools registered as charities have very limited exemptions. Expect the headline tuition to be 20 percent higher than 2024 levels.
Which city has stronger IB Diploma outcomes?
Both have schools that consistently exceed 36 points on average. Singapore's UWCSEA, Tanglin and Dulwich, and London's Sevenoaks, Southbank and Halcyon all sit in the upper IB performance band.
How do family visas compare?
Singapore's Dependant Pass is tied to the main applicant's Employment Pass salary (SGD 6,000 minimum). The UK Skilled Worker route allows dependant visas with a salary and English language threshold. Both routes work well for senior expat hires.
Which city is better for older teenagers heading to university?
London has a slight edge for UK university applications due to physical proximity and familiarity with the UCAS calendar. Singapore is excellent for international applications to the UK, US and Australia, with strong predicted IB grades widely accepted.
