How Much We Really Spend Raising 2 Kids in Singapore (Full Breakdown)

Talking about how much raising children costs is always a sensitive topic. Some people might argue that certain expenses are optional or even indulgent, and that’s fair. Every family has different priorities, lifestyles, and financial means. I’m sharing our numbers not to show off, but to give a real-world view of what it takes to raise two kids in Singapore today.

1️⃣ Pregnancy & Birth Costs (Per Child)

Even before your baby arrives, costs start piling up:

• Tonic, bird’s nest, cordyceps, and supplements: ≈ $3,000

• Medical check-ups & delivery: ≈ $12,000

• Exercise (Pilates for my wife during pregnancy): ≈ $2,000

• Confinement nanny: ≈ $4,000

Pregnancy isn’t cheap, but for us, these were investments in health, comfort, and peace of mind.

Total per child: ≈ $21,000

2️⃣ Monthly Costs: Elder Child

Now that our older child is out of infancy, the recurring costs are:

• Childcare fees: $350 per month

• Food: Since our child eats what we eat, portions are smaller. Average ≈ $200–$300 per month

• Outings: Usually 1–2 times a month to amusement areas or enrichment activities ≈ $200

Total monthly: ≈ $750–$850

3️⃣ Monthly Costs: Younger Child

Our younger child is still in infant care:

• Childcare fees: $750 per month

• Food: Full breastfeeding has been a huge cost saver. We only need to supplement with cereals ≈ $20 per month

Total monthly: ≈ $770

4️⃣ Insurance for Both Children

We take healthcare and financial protection seriously:

• Annual insurance premiums: ≈ $2,000 per child

This ensures they’re covered for emergencies, hospitalization, or other unforeseen events.

5️⃣ Final Thoughts

On a typical month, our recurring expenses for both children come to roughly $1,520–$1,620. For our elder child, childcare costs about $350, food around $250, and occasional outings average $200. Our younger child’s childcare is higher at $750, while food is minimal thanks to full breastfeeding, costing only about $20 for supplemental cereals. These recurring costs, combined with annual insurance premiums of roughly $2,000 per child, form the backbone of our ongoing child-related spending, a figure that gradually adjusts as our children grow.

Raising children in Singapore is expensive, there’s no denying that. From pregnancy and birth to monthly childcare and insurance, the numbers add up quickly.

But what’s also clear is that every family makes different choices. Some costs we consider essential (health, childcare, peace of mind), while others are optional luxuries. The key is budgeting consciously and planning ahead so that even high expenses feel manageable.

For our family, understanding the full cost of raising two kids helps us make smarter financial decisions and gives us confidence to weather the early years, knowing the big picture of our finances.