Monthly Breakdown for Border-Hoppers, Nostalgic Singaporeans, and Cafe-Hopping Creatures

Funny how the place closest to home was the last one I considered for long-term living. But when a friend mentioned they were based in JB — and I had a personal event in Singapore — it all clicked. I used to pop over as a broke student for food, then later after work. Now, with automated customs gates? The daily cross-border life is actually doable.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD1,800
→ I initially booked a unit with a sky bridge… until my friend warned me it had black magic stories tied to it. Switched immediately. No regrets.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD60/day
→ I ate in both Malaysia and Singapore, depending on where I was for the day — so this average includes both countries.
🚇 Transport: SGD350
→ This covered both cross-border travel and a monthly adult concession pass in Singapore. Pretty concurrent since I was zipping in and out.
💄 Grooming: SGD300
→ Shopping, drinks, and random snacks. It adds up, especially when you’re back in Singapore part-time.

Total: ~SGD4,310 (excluding activities)

📌 A hybrid month where the border didn’t feel like a wall — just a quick detour.

🏡 Where to Stay in Johor Bahru

✔️ Near JB Custom Checkpoint — Convenience is everything if you’re commuting to SG. Walkable access = less stress.
✔️ Mount Austin — A little further in, but a favourite among locals and expats for its food scene and residential vibe.

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Airbnb gives flexibility, especially if you’re unsure about the area.
✅ Long-term rentals available at great prices, but take note of local myths and word-of-mouth safety tips. (Yes, really.)

📌 I initially booked a different place but switched after hearing too many local stories about a nearby walking bridge. Trust your gut — and your friends. In JB, word-of-mouth safety tips matter more than listings. Location can look great on paper, but local insight makes all the difference.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Johor Bahru (SGD60/day)

✔️ Jalan Dhoby — A cafe-hopper’s dream. I did my rounds here and loved the mix of old-school and trendy spots.
✔️ Mall Dining — Think Singapore-brand chains at slightly friendlier prices. Reliable and familiar.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD350 for the Month)

✔️ Get a monthly adult concession pass in Singapore if you’re going in regularly — worth it even for partial months.
✔️ JB itself has a growing bus and e-hailing network — not perfect, but improving.

📌 Factor in cross-border queues, but with the new electronic gates, things have improved massively.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ I used SIMBA (Singapore) — had 700GB, and yes, that covered everything including Malaysian roaming.

📌 Great for those who need to tether or work on the go.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Johor Bahru

✔️ Cafe-Hopping — From Jalan Dhoby to Mount Austin, the coffee game’s strong.
✔️ Day Trips — Domestic buses make it easy to explore pockets of Johor you’ve never heard of.
✔️ Endless Malls — Some new, some dated — but all air-conditioned and satisfying when you just want a bubble tea and peace.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD4,310 Worth It?

✔️ Honestly? The cross-border lifestyle made this month feel flexible and fun.
✔️ JB was restful when I needed it, and Singapore was there when I wanted a hit of home.
✔️ I’d do it again — maybe next time, minus the cursed skybridge.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Singaporeans who want affordable freedom
• People working remotely with cross-border ties
• Mall rats who secretly just want a milk tea and a massage chair