Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Ask any Singaporean and you’ll hear the same refrain: from housing and food to transport and entertainment, the cost of living here doesn’t come cheap. Yet, amidst the rising prices and endless temptations to spend, many people have discovered smart ways to stretch their dollar without compromising on quality of life.
Saving money in Singapore isn’t about being stingy or giving up the things you love—it’s about being savvy. With the right hacks, you can still enjoy hawker food and café outings, travel comfortably, shop without guilt, and even grow your savings, all while keeping your bank balance in check. Here’s a comprehensive guide to practical, everyday hacks for saving money in Singapore.
Food and Dining: Eat Well for Less
Food is a big part of life in Singapore, and thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest areas to save.
1. Embrace hawker culture.
Eating out at cafés and restaurants every day quickly adds up. Instead, make hawker centres your go-to. A plate of chicken rice costs around $4, while the same meal in a restaurant can be upwards of $12. Hawker food is not only affordable but also offers authentic flavours that rival high-end dining.
2. Cook at home more often.
Groceries may feel pricey, but cooking at home can still be far cheaper than eating out, especially if you batch cook. A simple stir-fry or noodle soup made from supermarket ingredients can cost less than $3 per serving. Plus, supermarkets like FairPrice often run weekly deals, and membership cards (like LinkPoints) can help you save more.
3. Use food apps for discounts.
Apps such as Burpple Beyond, Fave, Chope, and Eatigo offer “1-for-1” deals, flash sales, or up to 50% off at popular restaurants. It’s an easy way to enjoy meals out without overspending. For delivery, platforms like Deliveroo or GrabFood often have promo codes—stack these with credit card discounts to maximise savings.
Transport: Get Around Smartly
Transport is another big expense in Singapore, particularly if you rely on taxis or own a car.
4. Stick to public transport.
The MRT and buses are reliable, affordable, and cover most of the island. A single ride can cost as little as $1.50, compared to $12–$20 for a Grab ride across town. If you take public transport daily, consider concession passes to save more in the long run.
5. Ditch the car if you can.
Owning a car in Singapore is notoriously expensive. Beyond the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), there’s fuel, ERP charges, insurance, and maintenance. Unless it’s truly essential, taking Grab or car-sharing services like BlueSG when needed works out far cheaper.
6. Walk or cycle.
For shorter trips, walking or cycling saves money and keeps you healthy. Apps like Anywheel and SG Bike offer affordable bike rentals, making it easy to zip around your neighbourhood without spending much.
Shopping: Spend Wisely, Not Recklessly
Retail therapy can be fun, but it doesn’t have to wreck your wallet.
7. Take advantage of online sales.
Shopee, Lazada, and Qoo10 regularly host mega sales—11.11, 12.12, Black Friday—where items are heavily discounted. Plan your big-ticket purchases around these sales. Pair them with vouchers and cashback cards for maximum savings.
8. Buy pre-loved items.
Carousell is a goldmine for second-hand goods in great condition. From furniture and gadgets to fashion, you can find quality items at a fraction of retail prices. It’s also sustainable—good for your wallet and the environment.
9. Use cashback credit cards.
Many banks in Singapore offer cashback credit cards tailored for groceries, dining, and online shopping. For instance, a 5% cashback on your weekly $100 grocery run is $5 saved every week—over $250 a year. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full to avoid interest charges.
Utilities and Bills: Cut Costs Without Cutting Comfort
Household bills can creep up quietly, but there are easy ways to rein them in.
10. Switch to an open electricity market (OEM) retailer.
Since the liberalisation of the electricity market, Singaporeans can choose retailers offering competitive rates instead of sticking with SP Group. A small switch can save you hundreds annually.
11. Be energy smart at home.
Simple habits—like switching off appliances at the plug, using fans instead of air-con, or setting the air-con at 25°C instead of 21°C—can reduce your monthly bills significantly. Energy-efficient appliances (with a high tick rating) may cost more upfront but save money in the long term.
12. Track your subscriptions.
Many of us pay for multiple streaming platforms, gym memberships, or software subscriptions we barely use. Audit your monthly expenses and cancel what you don’t need. You’ll be surprised at how much you save.
Entertainment and Leisure: Fun on a Budget
Living frugally doesn’t mean living boringly. Singapore offers plenty of affordable entertainment.
13. Explore free activities.
From picnics at East Coast Park to free exhibitions at the National Library or Botanic Gardens concerts, there’s always something happening. Hiking trails like MacRitchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are free and offer a great day out.
14. Use National Library resources.
Instead of buying books or paying for online courses, borrow from the National Library Board (NLB). They also offer eBooks, audiobooks, and online courses for free with your library account.
15. Take advantage of museum discounts.
Many museums are free for Singaporeans and PRs. For ticketed ones, look out for promotions or visit during free-entry days.
Smart Tools: Apps and Platforms to Help You Save
Technology has made saving money easier than ever.
- ShopBack & Fave: Cashback platforms that give you money back for shopping, dining, and travel bookings.
- Seedly: A personal finance app where you can track expenses, set budgets, and read reviews on credit cards and financial products.
- Klook: Great for discounted tickets to attractions, staycations, and activities both in Singapore and abroad.
- Chope: Book restaurants and score discounts or earn points for vouchers.
- GrabPay & PayLah!: Mobile wallets often have cashback or rewards campaigns that make small daily purchases more rewarding.
Mindset Shift: The Power of Small Changes
Saving money isn’t just about apps and hacks—it’s also about mindset. A small shift in perspective can make a big difference.
Think of saving as a lifestyle, not a chore. Choosing a hawker meal over a pricey café latte doesn’t mean depriving yourself; it means you’re being smart about where your money goes. Walking instead of taking a Grab isn’t just about saving $15—it’s about building healthier habits.
The little choices add up. Saving $5 here and $10 there might not feel like much, but over a year, it can amount to thousands. More importantly, these habits give you control over your finances, reducing stress and giving you more freedom to spend on the things that truly matter.
Conclusion: Living Well, Spending Smart
Singapore may be an expensive city, but living here doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By making mindful choices—whether it’s opting for hawker meals, using cashback apps, taking public transport, or cutting unnecessary bills—you can save a significant amount without sacrificing quality of life.
At the end of the day, saving money is about balance. Treat yourself occasionally, enjoy the café brunch once in a while, or splurge on that holiday—but make sure your everyday choices are working in your favour. With the right mindset and a few savvy hacks, you’ll not only survive Singapore’s high costs but thrive in it.
