Why Singapore Beats US Cities on Cost and Career Access

For students considering Game Art School options, two names often stand out: the United States and Singapore. Both venues are global hotspots for technology and creativity, both have fast-growing gaming industries, and both will provide students with exposure to world-class studios.

But here’s the catch – it isn’t only about the studios. It is also about where you can realistically afford to live, learn, and succeed as a student before you launch into the industry.

So how does Singapore compare to the heavyweight US West/ East Coast? Let’s break it down.

Gaming Hotspots: US vs. Singapore

There’s no question about the size of the US gaming industry. California alone has nearly 500 game studios, from AAA behemoths to indie innovators.

Washington State adds 188 more studios to the mix, and New York City adds 191. Throw in Texas and Oregon, and you have thousands of potential opportunities for future work.

Singapore, while less geographically extended than the US, more than holds its own on the world stage. With studios numbering in the 80s, it is steadily climbing the global rankings and competing with traditional hotspots like Berlin, Barcelona, and even Tokyo. 

In less than ten years, Singapore has emerged as one of Asia’s top game development hubs, thanks to strong government investments, a qualified and tech-savvy workforce, and its status as a global business hub. 

If your ultimate goal is to work in gaming, the U.S. may have more studios, but Singapore also puts you in front of a growing scene (and you’re in Asia, where the 1.48 billion gamers, almost half of the world’s gaming audience, are.

Cost of Living: The Reality Check

Let’s look at the numbers.

Singapore was the second most expensive city in the world in the 2023 Mercer Cost of Living Survey. Housing is expensive due to limited land space, and groceries are often imported, which can result in higher costs.

However, you can find affordable hawker centers in Asia to keep daily meals reasonably priced, and public transport is clean, efficient, and much cheaper than in the expensive U.S. cities where people insist you need a car to get around.

The U.S. has large differences in how much cities cost:

• New York City is the 6th most expensive city in the world. Rent can be 30-40% higher than in Singapore’s central locations.
• Other cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have high housing costs, transportation, and dining out.
• Other mid-range U.S. cities, such as Austin or Seattle, have also experienced huge rent increases over the last 10 years.

So the conclusion? While Singapore may be expensive, the game hub cities in the U.S., like California, Washington, and New York, will add up the costs of your housing, car, health insurance, and lifestyle expenses when you run the math.

Is it worth moving to Singapore from the USA?
Yes, moving to Singapore is worth it for Game Design students. Compared to costly U.S. hubs, Singapore offers lower overall living expenses, access to Asia’s 1.48B gamers, and a growing ecosystem of 80+ studios—all within a safe, multicultural environment.

Housing + Lifestyle Differences

• Singapore

Students typically rent shared apartments or private condos near their campus. Housing costs are very high for private housing, but when you look at shared housing options, they are comparable to mid-range U.S. rental costs. For day-to-day living, you get a lot for your dollar. There are plenty of conveniences: public transit, which means no car; better and less costly healthcare than in the U.S.; and food options in Singapore are cheaper compared to the U.S. (and consider the Michelin-starred hawker stalls).

• U.S

Housing costs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York have been very high due to the cost of living. If you consider transportation (which usually requires a car), higher insurance premiums, and the high cost of healthcare, then the cost of living can increase quickly. Sure, you could find cheaper rent in a smaller U.S. city, but you would be very far from the major game studio areas.

Quality of Education: USA vs. Singapore

The USA has prestige. A school in Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco offers you deep creative networks and contact with the big studios. And prestige is expensive: tuition fees at a reputable game art school can range from $30,000 – $50,000 per year.

For example, Singapore, with brands such as MAGES Institute, offers a model that emphasizes industry alignment: project-based learning, mentorship from working professionals, and a curriculum built around employability.

Tuition often reflects the lower cost of living, and because Singapore is home to both international companies and startups, it provides students with a perspective of both the Western and Asian gaming ecosystems.

Cultural and Regional Benefits

This is where Singapore has a pronounced advantage:

• Gateway to Asia’s gaming market: 1.48 billion gamers live in Asia, putting you in proximity to the largest consumer base in the world.
• Access to global city networks: Singapore is an international aviation hub. Whether you are co-creating with Tokyo, Shanghai, or London, you are only hours away.
• Safe and multicultural learning environment: Singapore, ranked one of the world’s safest cities, offers a welcoming culture for international students and a blend of Eastern and Western-style experiences. It cultivates experiences for creatives who develop games for audiences worldwide.

In contrast, US students are fortunate to have proximity to Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and a vast domestic gaming market. This level of opportunity comes at a high cost of living with a more fractious entry point.

Why Singapore Wins for Game Art Students

Considering all the factors—the cost of living, career potential, and cultural benefits—Singapore is a great choice for students who want to balance the cost of education and funding with employment opportunities.

Yes, the USA has far more studios. But Singapore offers you:

• Lower overall cost of living than New York, San Francisco, or LA.
• Direct access to the booming gamer population in Asia.
• An expanding ecosystem of 80+ studios and rising.
• Affordable, multicultural way of life that doesn’t sacrifice quality of life.

So, for students evaluating the right Game Art School, the question should be, where can I learn? Where can I learn, live, and truly thrive?

On that basis, Singapore provides a persuasive argument as the smarter, future-focused choice.

Ready to turn your passion for games into a career? At MAGES Institute, our Game Art School programs combine industry mentorship, hands-on projects, and a global creative hub in Singapore. Explore our courses today and start building the portfolio that gets you hired.