SG Block Index

Hougang vs Sembawang

Sembawang averages 62.8/100 for HDB liveability across 281 blocks, ahead of Hougang at 61.5/100 across 598 blocks. The gap comes down to individual pillars — compare them below.

The verdict

For all-round liveability, Hougang and Sembawang are effectively tied (61.5/100 vs 62.8/100). Hougang is stronger on healthcare, daily needs and connectivity. Sembawang leads on transport, green space, value (lease) and leisure.

On the commute that matters most, Hougang’s median trip to the city centre is 40 min versus Sembawang’s 48 min by public transport — Hougang is the faster commute.

By life stage, young families lean towards Sembawang, seniors lean towards Hougang and investors lean towards Sembawang.

Commute face-off · median public transport

DestinationHougangSembawang
Raffles Place40 min48 min
one-north46 min55 min
Jurong East62 min43 min
Changi Airport58 min84 min

Median door-to-door minutes across each town’s blocks, weekday 08:00, OneMap routing.

Pillar by pillar

Transport51.667.7
Food4744.2
Schools99.298.8
Healthcare60.353
Daily needs65.149
Green space81.491.2
Connectivity42.535.1
Value (lease)5379.9
Leisure61.465.5

By persona

PersonaHougangSembawangVerdict
Overall61.562.8Tie
Young Families68.972.5Sembawang
Seniors58.654.8Hougang
Renters54.155.8Tie
Investors62.468.9Sembawang