Hiring a domestic helper in Singapore is one of the most practical decisions a busy family can make — but the cost goes far beyond the monthly salary. Many first-time employers are surprised by the total when they add up the levy, insurance, agency fees, and living expenses.
This guide breaks down every cost so you can budget realistically before making the commitment.
The Short Answer
For a typical Singapore household in 2026, expect:
- Monthly total: S$970 – S$1,800 (depending on salary, levy rate, and living expenses)
- One-time upfront costs: S$1,500 – S$4,000 (agency fee, insurance, work permit, medical exam) The range is wide because it depends on your helper's nationality, experience, your household composition (which affects the levy), and whether you hire through an agency or directly.
Monthly Costs Breakdown
1. Salary
Singapore doesn't set a mandatory minimum wage for FDWs. Salaries are market-driven and vary by nationality and experience:
| Nationality | Fresh (0-2 years) | Experienced (2+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| Myanmar | S$500 – S$550 | S$600 – S$700 |
| Indonesia | S$550 – S$620 | S$650 – S$750 |
| Philippines | S$600 – S$700 | S$700 – S$850+ |
| Sri Lanka | S$500 – S$550 | S$600 – S$750 |
Filipino helpers generally command higher salaries due to English proficiency and the Philippines' mandated minimum of approximately US$500 (around S$670).
2. FDW Levy
A mandatory monthly tax paid to MOM:
| Rate | Amount | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Concessionary | S$60/month | Households with a child under 16, a person aged 67+, or a person with disabilities |
| Standard | S$300/month | All other households |
| Second helper | S$450/month | If you employ more than one FDW |
The concessionary rate saves you S$240 per month (S$2,880 per year). Check your eligibility through MOM's FDW eService.
3. Living expenses
Your helper lives with you, so you cover:
- Food: S$200 – S$300/month (she eats what the family eats, or you provide a food allowance)
- Utilities: S$50 – S$80/month (additional water, electricity)
- Transport: S$30 – S$50/month (bus/MRT for errands, grocery runs)
- Phone: S$15 – S$20/month (prepaid SIM or data plan) Estimated total living expenses: S$300 – S$450/month
4. Rest day compensation (if applicable)
If your helper agrees to work on any of her rest days (beyond the one mandatory non-compensable rest day per month), you owe her at least one day's salary per rest day worked.
Formula: Monthly salary ÷ 26
For a helper earning S$700: that's S$26.92 per rest day worked.
Monthly Cost Summary
| Component | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | S$500 | S$850 |
| Levy | S$60 (concessionary) | S$300 (standard) |
| Living expenses | S$300 | S$450 |
| Rest day compensation | S$0 | S$110 (4 rest days) |
| Monthly total | S$860 | S$1,710 |
One-Time Upfront Costs
Agency fee
If you hire through a licensed maid agency: S$1,000 – S$3,000
This covers candidate matching, paperwork, work permit application, and post-placement support. If you hire a transfer helper directly (no agency), you skip this cost but handle all paperwork yourself.
Security bond
A S$5,000 banker's or insurance guarantee required by MOM. You don't pay the full S$5,000 upfront — instead you buy an insurance policy that covers the bond.
Cost: S$40 – S$70/year for the bond insurance policy.
Medical and personal accident insurance
MOM requires:
- Medical insurance: Minimum S$15,000/year for inpatient care and day surgery (increased to S$60,000/year for policies from July 2023)
- Personal accident insurance: Minimum S$40,000 coverage Bundled insurance plans (security bond + medical + personal accident) typically cost S$400 – S$600 for 26 months of coverage.
Work Permit application
- Application fee: S$35
- Issuance fee: S$35
- Total: S$70
Medical examination
Your helper must pass a medical exam within 14 days of arrival: S$50 – S$80
Settling-In Programme (SIP)
Required for first-time FDWs in Singapore: S$75
Employers' Orientation Programme (EOP)
Required for first-time employers: S$35 – S$60
Upfront Cost Summary
| Component | With agency | Without agency |
|---|---|---|
| Agency fee | S$1,000 – S$3,000 | S$0 |
| Insurance bundle (26 months) | S$400 – S$600 | S$400 – S$600 |
| Work Permit (application + issuance) | S$70 | S$70 |
| Medical examination | S$50 – S$80 | S$50 – S$80 |
| SIP (first-time FDW) | S$75 | S$75 |
| EOP (first-time employer) | S$35 – S$60 | S$35 – S$60 |
| Upfront total | S$1,630 – S$3,885 | S$630 – S$885 |
The Real First-Year Cost
Combining everything for a realistic first-year estimate:
| Scenario | Monthly | Upfront | Year 1 total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (concessionary levy, fresh helper, no agency) | S$860 | S$630 | S$10,950 |
| Mid-range (concessionary levy, experienced, agency) | S$1,200 | S$2,200 | S$16,600 |
| Premium (standard levy, experienced Filipino, agency) | S$1,710 | S$3,500 | S$24,020 |
How to Reduce Costs
Check your levy concession eligibility
The single biggest cost reducer. If you qualify for the S$60 concessionary levy instead of S$300, you save S$2,880 per year. Check through MOM's FDW eService using your Singpass.
Consider a transfer helper
Transfer helpers are already in Singapore, reducing wait time and eliminating overseas placement fees. Many are experienced and require less training.
Compare insurance plans
Insurance costs vary significantly. Shop around — some bundled plans (security bond + medical + personal accident) are much cheaper than buying separately.
Budget for the long term
Helper turnover is expensive. Every time a helper leaves and you hire a replacement, you pay agency fees, insurance, and medical costs again. Investing in a good relationship — fair pay, rest days, clear communication — saves money over time.
How HelperMate Helps You Track Costs
HelperMate's built-in wallet feature makes expense tracking effortless:
- Petty cash tracking: Top-ups and expenses, with receipt scanning
- Salary records: Clear payment history for both employer and helper
- MOM compliance alerts: Never miss an insurance renewal, medical exam, or levy payment
- Shared visibility: Both employer and helper see the same financial records Good financial management builds trust. When every dollar is accounted for transparently, the employer-helper relationship runs smoother.
Download HelperMate on Google Play →
All cost figures reflect typical market rates and MOM requirements as of 2026. Actual costs may vary. For current levy rates and insurance requirements, refer to the official MOM website. This article is for informational purposes and not financial or legal advice.