I love the Lion City, and it’s not only because it’s one of the most developed countries in the world but also, more importantly, there is so much to see, do, and explore here! 

However, I don’t like that doing all that fun stuff comes with a price. 

But here’s the good news: I’ve found ways to make ends meet without sacrificing fun by building healthier financial habits. I’m sharing these with you below, and I hope they help you too!

Drink water from the tap 

Tap water in Singapore is perfectly potable, so long as you only drink from fountains or taps that state they are clean and safe to drink. Buying bottled water each time you’re thirsty can really burn a hole in your budget (by about a dollar each purchase), so stick to the tap! 

Get an EZ-Link Card

2One of the best ways to save money while living in Lion City is to take advantage of the city’s efficient public transport system and get an EZ-Link Card. The cashless fare system allows you to earn rewards points and redeem them to purchase goods for participating stores. 

Cook your own meals 

While there are many great restaurants around the city, one way you can save money while living in Singapore is to cook your own meals. Buying groceries may be expensive, but it’s a cost you can stretch for a few weeks to a month. 

A month’s worth of groceries can give you weeks of food supply, and cooking your own meals will prevent you from spending an extra $15 to $30 each day. That’s a lot if you add that leading to a month! 

Skip the iced coffee or tea

It’s okay to splurge on iced coffee or tea once in a while, but you’ll be surprised by how much you can save by skipping the morning trip to your nearest cafe. A coffee can cost about $12 a pop, and if you order one a day, that’s $84 a week. 

You can make your own coffee at home to lessen the extra expenses or cut down on caffeine if you need to. But as much as possible, try not to spend nearly $100 extra each week on coffee or tea! 

Head to bars or clubs during Happy Hour

Happy Hour promos are simply the best because you pay less for a few rounds of cold drinks. There are many bars in the city that offer Happy Hour between 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with some offering as much as 50% off on their signature drinks. 

Grabbing a beer or cocktail may be an optional expense, but if you simply want to unwind but are on a strict budget, I recommend looking up bars and pubs and dropping by during their Happy Hours. 

Get shared accounts for subscriptions

Subscriptions to streaming websites like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Go can be costly if you’re shouldering the costs by yourself. I recommend getting a family or shared membership account wherein a group of 2 or more enjoy premium membership at a fraction of the cost. 

This is cheaper because the subscription fees will be shouldered by everyone using the account, cutting down the cost to nearly 50%. Also, this is a cheaper option than paying separate accounts for each family member (if you have kids). 

Thrift or purchase pre-loved items

If you don’t want to spend too much of your budget on new clothes, there is always the option to go thrift shopping. Many stores, both online and physical, sell good quality pre-loved or vintage items that are usually designer but at a fraction of the cost. 

You can also thrift for furniture, devices, and other household items using Carousel or other retail websites that sell pre-loved items. They won’t be new, but they look good as new (and cheaper too!). 

Shop for fruits and veggies at wet markets

Imported produce usually costs more than local produce, so if you’re the type to stock up on fruits and veggies, I recommend buying them from wet markets like Quan Shui Wet Market, Telok Blangah Market, or Admiralty Wet Market. 

The vendors here sell fresh local produce and most of them are open to price negotiations if you’re good at haggling. If you aren’t, then these markets are the best places to learn how to haggle your way through great deals. 

Satisfy your cravings at hawker centres

Hawker centres are known to sell good local food for cheap in the Lion City, so if you want to satisfy your cravings for a quick lunch or dinner, doing so at a hawker centre is the best way to go. 

Popular spots include Tiong Bahru Market, Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Changi Village Hawker Centre. Many stalls here sell Michelin award-winning meals at really low prices, so spend a little cash here instead of at a fine dining restaurant! 

Use prepaid electricity 

Using pay-as-you-use electricity metres, like SP Group’s PAYU app, can lead to significant savings. Prepaid metering involves paying for electricity in advance of consumption. It utilises a metre that tracks usage, enabling users to monitor and regulate their energy costs effectively.

It’s crucial to monitor your usage closely to avoid running out of electricity unexpectedly, which could lead to inconvenient and powerless situations. At the end of the day, prepaid metering can discipline you into conserving energy and staying within a monthly budget. 

Delay buying non-essentials, sleep on it

Have you ever had those moments where you really want something but can’t decide if you really need it, especially when it’s not cheap? Well, I’m telling you to take a step back and sleep on it. 

Delaying your decision to buy something you may or may not need can really help you control your urge to purchase unnecessary items. You’ll also prevent buyer’s remorse, which is a phenomenon that happens when you buy something you want and suddenly regret it because it has little to no use for you. 

Purchase inverter appliances

Buying new appliances can be expensive, but if you choose the right types like inverters, you’ll soon be reaping its benefits in the long run. Inverter appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators can save up to 30% of electricity, significantly lowering energy costs. 

These appliances don’t come cheap, but it’s a good investment if you constantly use appliances like ACs every day. Plus, you can beat the heat without worrying about the bills! 

Cut down on deliveries 

Ordering delivery saves you the hassle of cooking, but the fees can really rack up your bill. It’s not bad to order delivery once in a while, but it’ll help you save money if you cut down on ordering deliveries. 

Give carpooling a try

Are taxi or ride-hailing app fares too high? I recommend carpooling with a coworker or friend if you’re heading in the same direction towards work or home. 

Carpooling can help you save money on toll fees, gas, and parking, which can really be pricey if you live or work in the central business district. Ask your neighbours, friends, or family members who live or work near you so you can hitch a ride when needed. 

Visit attractions in the city that offer free admission

Many attractions in the city offer general admission to both locals and tourists. If you’re living on the island as a resident, you can visit libraries, museums, galleries, and gardens without spending a single penny. 

A few examples are the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, Jewel Changi’s Shiseido Forest Valley, and Fort Canning Park.

Other parks and recreational spaces in the city also offer discounts if you buy tickets on their websites. I recommend taking advantage of any ongoing promotions and deals to save a little extra cash when exploring the city! 

Adopt a pet instead of buying one

Adopting a pet is more cost-effective and doesn’t diminish your love for animals. In fact, it helps save pets at risk of euthanasia. 

Some sellers of expensive breed animals may engage in illegal transactions, and nobody wants to get involved in those!