Cost in Singapore: Full-time, Part-Time, and Live-In Care Prices

Finding a caregiver in Singapore is not a simple hiring decision. It often comes at a moment when families are already under emotional pressure, balancing concern for a loved one’s well-being with practical questions about cost and long-term sustainability. Choosing the right care means placing trust in someone to support daily life, health, and safety at home.

At the same time, families must navigate the financial realities of caregiving. Costs can vary widely depending on the type of care required, the level of medical support involved, and whether assistance is needed short-term or long-term. This guide breaks down the real costs of caregiving in Singapore, clearly and transparently, so families can make informed decisions without confusion or unnecessary stress.

The Reality Check: What Kind of Care Do You Actually Need?

Before looking at the numbers, it helps to step back and consider your loved one’s actual day-to-day needs. Many families in Singapore naturally consider live-in care first, but it may not always be the most suitable option at every stage. Think about an ordinary day at home. Is the main concern basic supervision and meal support, or are there more complex needs such as mobility risks, cognitive changes, or medical care requirements? The cost of care varies significantly depending on the level and intensity of support needed.

Live-In Care: Resides in the home with the patient to provide round-the-clock support. This is suitable for 24/7 support and safety monitoring. It may be for a short period (e.g. post-illness or surgery) or long-term ( e.g. for disabled individuals). Live-in caregivers are not limited to MDWs with eldercare training. There are professional caregivers with a range of qualifications and experience, from certificate holders to diploma and degree-qualified professionals.

Hourly or Part-Time Care: Ideal for specific medical tasks, appointments, or temporary support

The Full-Time Care: Works primarily for a set number of hours each day (e.g. 40 hours a week) and leaves at the end of the day. 

The Live-In Breakdown: It’s More Than Just the Salary

Most families go for a Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) with eldercare training. On paper, it looks like the cheapest option. In reality, there are layers.

You’ll see agencies quoting S$600 basic salaries, but that’s often for someone with minimum experience. For a trained caregiver with nursing background and eldercare experience, you’re looking at:

The Base Pay: Typically ranges between S$750 and S$1,100. 

The Levy: If your loved one is a Singapore Citizen aged 67+, you only pay the concessionary rate of S$60. If not, it’s S$300. 

Living Costs: You’re adding another adult to your home. Consider approximately S$450–500 for food, utilities, and insurance.

Rest Day Alternative: You may need to hire a part-time caregiver when the live-in caregiver is on a rest day or leave. That is about S$25 to S$35 per hour.

Training Costs: You may need to pay for additional training costs of the caregiver in case your care recipient’s care plan evolves, and adjustments are required.

Total out-of-pocket: Expect to see $1,400 to $2,000 every month for a live-in helper. Upfront costs such as agency fees, security bond, airfare, and medical tests may add S$2,500–3,500.

The Part-Time Route: When You Just Need a Break

In 2026, professional hourly caregivers in Singapore cost S$25 to S$35 per hour. Depending on your requirements, your total expense will change,

For example, for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, at an average rate of around $30 per hour = ~$2,400/month.

Moreover, overnight care can cost $250 to $400 per night.

The Medical Escort, Hidden Cost

When your loved one needs to go to hospital, and you’re at work, you have to hire a chaperone or medical escort. Cost per trip can be up to S$130; that's 2-way, going and coming back.

Grants: Don’t Leave This Money on the Table

Singapore offers some good caregiving grants that you can benefit from. 

The HCG (Home Caregiving Grant): This is the big one. Based on this grant, you can get up to $600/month in cash. This isn't a credit; it's actual money to help pay for the caregiver. However, there are certain conditions: 

• Means-tested
• Care recipient must be assessed to require assistance with at least three Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), subject to AIC assessment.
• Not guaranteed cash for “any caregiver”

The CTG (Caregivers Training Grant): The Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) supports approved caregiving courses, with funding of up to $200 per caregiver per year, and up to $400 for first-time caregivers, subject to eligibility.

Levy Concession: This automatically saves you $240/month if the care recipient is 67+, if:

• Care recipient is Singapore Citizen, AND
• He/she is medically certified to need care

The Invisible Costs (The Stuff Nobody Tells You)

Some caregiving costs don’t show up clearly on invoices or quotations, but they are very real and can affect both finances and well-being over time.

Care Compatibility

Even a highly trained caregiver may not always be the right fit. Differences in communication style, personality, or routines can affect day-to-day comfort for care recipients. When compatibility issues arise, families may need to change caregivers, which can involve additional agency fees and adjustment periods. This is a practical consideration that many families only realise after care begins.

Household Expenses

Bringing a caregiver into the home often increases everyday expenses. Utility usage may rise, and grocery or household supply consumption can change. While these costs may seem small individually, they add up over time. Setting aside a modest monthly buffer can help prevent unnecessary stress over day-to-day household spending.

Premature Equipment Purchases

It can be tempting to purchase medical equipment immediately, but not every item is needed long-term. Renting essentials such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, or oxygen equipment at the start allows families to assess actual usage before committing to high upfront costs.

Caregiver Fatigue and Well-Being

For primary caregivers, emotional and physical strain is a real cost. Avoiding paid support entirely may seem like a way to save money, but prolonged exhaustion can affect work performance, health, and decision-making. Occasional professional support can help prevent burnout and should be viewed as a necessary investment in long-term caregiving sustainability.

Comparing the Totals 

Below is a simplified comparison to help families visualise the cost differences.

Real-World Ways to Save

Here are some ways to save a good amount of money.

Medisave: Medisave may be used for certain approved home medical services provided by accredited providers, subject to MOH guidelines. CareShield Life and ElderShield, however, offer monthly cash payouts to eligible individuals with care needs, which families can use flexibly to offset home care costs. 

Share Services: If you live in an HDB or condo where a few elderly folks live around, sometimes you can share a chaperone or medical escorts, splitting the hourly rate and medical escort for back-to-back appointments.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Caring for a loved one can be both emotionally and financially demanding. The costs of daily care, medical needs, and supplies can add up over time and sometimes feel overwhelming. But caregiving isn’t just about managing expenses; it’s about creating a safe, consistent environment where your loved one is well cared for, and where you can have peace of mind knowing they’re supported every step of the way.

The ability for an elderly family member to remain at home, in a familiar environment filled with personal routines and memories, carries value beyond what can be measured on a monthly statement. There is no single “right” budget for caregiving. Some families manage well on modest arrangements, while others require more comprehensive support. What matters most is finding a sustainable balance where your loved one receives dignified care, and you are not overwhelmed in the process.

If you are working within a specific budget and unsure of your options, you do not have to navigate this alone. At Care@Home, we help families understand available grants, coordinate suitable services, and make caregiving more manageable. As a single point of contact, we aim to remove unnecessary complexity, so you can focus on what truly matters.

Quality Home Care, Tailored to Your Needs.

Disclaimer: Always check with the AIC or MOM for the latest grant amounts and levy rules.

FAQ: Caregiver Costs in Singapore

1. How much does a live-in caregiver cost in Singapore?

A live-in caregiver typically costs S$1,400–S$2,000 per month, including salary, levy, and living expenses. Upfront setup fees like agency charges and airfare can range from S$2,500 to S$3,500.

2. What is the hourly rate for part-time or full-time caregivers in Singapore?

Part-time caregivers usually charge S$25–S$35 per hour, while overnight or specialized medical care may cost S$250–S$400 per night. Full-time agency staff can cost S$4,000–S$5,000 per month, if it includes 12-hour daily coverage with skilled nursing / specialised care.

3. Are there government grants to reduce caregiver costs in Singapore?

Yes. Eligible families can apply for the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) up to S$600/month, the Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) of S$400/year, and levy concessions for seniors aged 67+. These can significantly reduce monthly caregiving expenses.

4. How can I choose the right type of caregiver for my loved one in Singapore?

Consider your loved one’s needs:

• Live-in Caregiver: For 24/7 supervision and daily assistance.
• Part-Time/ Hourly Caregiver: For occasional help pr medical tasks.
• Full-Time Agency Caregiver: For professional care with specialized medical needs.

Match the caregiver type with your budget, household setup, and the level of care required.