Cost of a Maid in Singapore 2026: Full Monthly Breakdown (Real Numbers)

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore in 2026 costs way more than just the salary — we all know that by now. But the real question is: how much more, exactly? Between the MOM levy that goes out every month, the insurance you cannot skip, the food you need to budget for, and the one-time fees that hit you right at the start, the numbers add up faster than you think.

So we did the math for you. Here's the full, itemised breakdown — real numbers, no surprises. Whether you're a first-time employer or you've been through this before, this guide will give you the exact picture of what a maid costs in Singapore in 2026.

At a Glance: What a Maid Costs in Singapore (2026)

Monthly recurring: $900 – $1,400 (salary + levy + insurance + food)

One-time setup: ~$2,500 (agency fees, deposit, medical, permit)

First-year total: ~$14,000 – $19,000

Cheapest route: transfer helper + concessionary levy → from ~$800/month

2026 Monthly Cost Breakdown

Here's where your money goes every month. We've broken it down line by line so you know exactly what to expect:

Cost item	Type	Monthly cost (2026)
Helper salary (new)	Monthly	$580 – $700
MOM levy (concessionary)	Monthly	$300
MOM levy (standard)	Monthly	$600
Insurance (medical + personal accident)	Monthly	$25 – $60
Food budget	Monthly	$200 – $300
Rest day transport	Monthly	$40 – $80
Mobile allowance (optional)	Monthly	$20 – $30
TOTAL (concessionary household)	Monthly	$1,165 – $1,470
TOTAL (standard levy)	Monthly	$1,465 – $1,770

A few things to note here. The salary range depends on nationality, experience, and whether she's a first-timer or has worked in Singapore before. The levy is fixed by MOM — you either qualify for concessionary ($300) or you pay standard ($600). We'll cover who qualifies below.

Food is one of those costs that surprises people. Some families give a monthly food allowance of $200 to $300 and let the helper buy her own food. Others include her in family meals and spend about the same amount on groceries. Either way, budget for it — MOM actually requires you to provide adequate food, after all.

One-Time Setup Costs

This is the part that stings a bit upfront. When you first hire a helper, there are several one-time costs before she even starts working. Here's what to expect:

Cost item	Amount
Agency placement fee	$1,500 – $2,500
Helper medical checkup	$60 – $120
Work permit (MOM)	$30 – $60
Security bond / deposit	$2,000 – $5,000 (refundable)
Airfare (if new to Singapore)	$300 – $600
Settling-in items (bedding, etc.)	$100 – $300

The security bond is refundable when the work permit is cancelled and she leaves Singapore properly, so don't count that as a permanent cost. The agency placement fee is the big one — and it varies a lot depending on the agency, the nationality of the helper, and whether you're getting a new hire or a transfer.

Transfer helpers are significantly cheaper on the setup front because there's no airfare and often a lower or waived placement fee. If budget is a concern, a transfer might be the way to go — we've written a full comparison of transfer vs new maid costs if you want the details.

Monthly Cost by Scenario

Not everyone pays the same amount. Your total depends on whether you qualify for the concessionary levy and whether you're hiring fresh or through a transfer. Here's how it stacks up:

Scenario	Salary	Levy	Insurance + food	Monthly total
A: Citizen family, young child (concessionary)	$650	$300	$330	~$1,280
B: Standard levy household	$650	$600	$330	~$1,580
C: Transfer helper, no agency fee	$600	$600	$300	~$1,500

• Rest day transport: $10 – $20 per rest day

• Mobile allowance: $20 – $30 per month (optional)

• Festive bonus: $100 – $200 per year (not required, but common practice)

• Medical co-payment: up to 25% of hospital bills above $15,000

• Repatriation airfare: $200 – $500 (only when contract ends)

The Bottom Line

Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore in 2026 costs $900 – $1,400 per month in recurring expenses, plus about $2,500 in one-time setup costs. Your exact figure depends on your levy tier and whether you hire fresh or transfer. Budget for the full picture, not just the salary — and always check the latest MOM levy rates before you commit.

For the full picture, read our practical food budget guide and the plain-English MOM FDW contract translation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a maid cost per month in Singapore?

In 2026, a domestic helper costs $900 – $1,400 per month all-in — salary ($580 – $700), MOM levy ($300 concessionary or $600 standard), insurance, food and transport. One-time setup adds about $2,500.

What is the maid levy in Singapore in 2026?

The MOM foreign domestic worker levy is $300/month for concessionary households (families with young children, elderly, or persons with disabilities) and $600/month for standard households.

Is there a one-time cost when hiring a maid?

Yes — expect around $2,500 upfront: agency placement fee ($1,500 – $2,500), medical checkup, work permit and settling-in items. The security bond ($2,000 – $5,000) is refundable.

Do I need to pay for my helper's food?

Yes. Budget $200 – $300 per month. MOM requires employers to provide adequate food; many families give a food allowance instead.

What is the cheapest way to hire a maid in Singapore?

A transfer helper (already in Singapore — no airfare) in a concessionary-levy household: from around $800 per month all-in.

How much is insurance for a domestic helper?

Medical + personal accident insurance typically runs $300 – $700 per year ($25 – $60/month). Medical insurance is compulsory under MOM requirements.

Ready to find the help your home deserves? Check out our guide Myanmar vs Indonesian helper.

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