Eh, Singaporeans, you feel the pinch or not? Prices seem to be going up faster than a kiasu auntie at a buffet! From CNY goodies to everyday groceries, the cost of living in Singapore is making us all sweat. Let’s talk about what’s really going on, based on what everyone’s been saying online recently (Jan-Feb 2025). This isn’t just about complaining, it’s about figuring out how to survive in this expensive little island.
Current Price Trends in Singapore
Things are definitely not getting cheaper. Here’s what’s been happening:
- CNY goodies are seeing a mix of price hikes and drops, with some items like Milo actually getting cheaper at NTUC (2 for $11.15 in 2025), but others like Kit Kat seeing a price increase (2 for $8.95 for a smaller pack at NTUC).
- Many are noticing that Value Dollar stores offer significantly cheaper options than major supermarkets, with some items being 50% or more cheaper. This is making people question the pricing of regular shops.
- Hawker prices are also on the rise. Some stalls are adding a $1 surcharge during CNY, and even after, some coffee shops are increasing drink prices by 10 cents and food by 50 cents or more.
- Contact lens prices are way higher in Singapore compared to JB. Acuvue 1-day disposables cost RM140 in JB (around S$43), but are around S$78 in Singapore.
- F&B outlets are closing at a record high, with over 3,000 closures in 2024, though there were new openings too, showing a tough market.
Key Challenges with Rising Costs
Singaporeans are facing several frustrations due to these price increases:
- The feeling of being “chopped carrot” at regular supermarkets, with many feeling that they are being overcharged. The price differences between Value Dollar and major retailers are stark.
- Many are frustrated with hawkers and coffee shops who increase prices, especially during CNY, and sometimes do not lower them afterwards. This is seen as unfair and exploitative.
“My side CNY 2nd day open , food all +$1”
Jian19 (Jan 2025)
- There’s a sense of distrust with some brands like Pokka, which have not offered CNY promotions, leading to disappointment among consumers.
“Wah, Pokkai really giving edmwers the finger this CNY.”
Dr Stephen Strange (Jan 2025)
- The high cost of living is pushing Singaporeans to seek cheaper options in JB, but this also means spending more time and money on travel.
“I am a citizen of Singapore not a citizen of Malaysia. I stay in Singapore but I buy things in JB that costs half price of Singapore”
Anghtj (Feb 2025)
- F&B business owners are feeling squeezed by high rent, manpower, and material costs, leading to low profit margins and closures.
“i am in f&b business, do notice that we kena kiap like nobody business. margins are low, not appreciated.”
Carnesir (Feb 2025)
Practical Tips for Savvy Shopping
Don’t just complain, take action! Here are some tips to save money:
- Compare prices at Value Dollar stores and major supermarkets before buying. Don’t just assume major brands are the best deal.
- Look out for supermarket promotions and one-day specials. Some items, like frozen chicken, are seeing supplier promotions across different chains.
- Consider buying in bulk, or during off-peak hours when cooked food items are marked down at supermarkets.
“CS cooked food items mark down around 6pm and 8.30 pm +- depending on staff, can be earlier sometimes”
MastersIT (Jan 2025)
- Buy your contact lenses from JB or online for significant cost savings, but be careful of fakes. Do your research and buy from reputable sellers.
- Support hawkers who don’t raise prices unnecessarily and are community-oriented. Vote with your wallet, avoid stalls that overcharge.
“If they never give 3%, ss at wont give 5%. Also ss is more community orientated. Hearsay got wake nearby they will send manager sometime even owner go down with hamper 1.”
SantyBalls (Jan 2025)
Source Threads
Read the original discussions on HardwareZone:
- 30 Monkeys Wreak Havoc Among Punggol Residents On 2Nd Day Of Cny Break Into Residents Home Steal Food
- 57Yo Man Brought 2 Children To Safra Yishun Country Club For Lunch But Used Hp To Upskirt Video 21Yo Waitress Kena Caught Red Handed
- Acuvue 1 Day Disposable Contact Lens Only Sell Rm140 In Jb 43 But Costs 78 In Singapore
- Am News Church In S 54 5 Million Purchase Of 19 289 Sq Ft Retail Space In Orchard Towers
- Getting Maid At Your Own Risk
- Gvgt Road Rage By 2 Uncle Fighting In The Middle Of Expressway
- More Than 3 000 F B Outlets In Singapore Closed In 2024 Highest In Nearly 20 Years
- Ntuc Increases Their Pricing Again So Fast Wei
- Spore Man Injured In Defending Family From Attackers In Kluang
- Value Dollar Store Made Me Realised How Overcharged Other Shops Are No Referral Links
- Were At The Landlords Mercy Everything Is Slowly Slowly Creeping Up And We Have Not Changed Our Prices Over The Past Few Years Being Squeezed F