Being crowned the most expensive city in the world is not a crown to wear with pride. While we agree that the cost of living is definitely higher than say, a decade ago, it’s not all bad news. Here are some things that are cheaper than they might be!
uberX
Private Car Rides
If you’ve been using Uber for a private limo service on date night and business meetings, meet its equally convenient and comfortable, but substantially cheaper private driver service – uberX. The only difference? Instead of a Mercedes S Class rolling up curbside, you’ll get a Toyota Corolla or Camry.
Getting Away
With the rise of budget airlines in Asia – they make up nearly 20% of the aviation market in the region – going on a weekend getaway has never been cheaper, especially coupled with our strong Singaporean currency! With Changi Airport Terminal 4 in the making, the low cost carrier sector in Singapore has probably just scraped the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
SBS Transit
Public Transport for Us “Poor People”
We’re pretty sure you know this already: travel free on the MRT on weekdays when you tap out at any of the 18 city stations before 745am. If you tap out after that, but before 8am, they’ll still shave 50 cents off your fare. This offer’s only valid till 23 June 2014, so here’s hoping it’ll be extended for you early birds out there!
For Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents (PR) who hop on public transport too frequently, check out the Adult Monthly Travel Card. Basically, now you can fork out $120 a month for unlimited rides on the MRT and basic bus services.
Electric Dreams
So this might not be a Singapore thing, but digital technology and new business models have lowered the prices of electronics over the years. Instead of shelling out a thousand dollars for the next iPhone, you can snag it when renewing your mobile phone plan at less than half the price. Things like televisions, cameras, and notebooks are getting cheaper too. We highly doubt you could have scored a brand new notebook for $800 10 years ago.
National Museum of Singapore
Night at the Museum
It’s a lot cheaper to visit museums in Singapore now than it was 10 years ago, especially if you’re a citizen or PR here (free at the National Museum of Singapore and Peranakan Museum). There are still free entries and discounts visitors and expats can utilise on certain days. For instance, the Singapore Living Galleries at the National Museum of Singapore is free for all from 6pm-8pm everyday, while the Peranakan Museum offers half-price admission on Friday nights.
H2O
Unlike many (developed) countries and cities in the world, the water gushing from Singapore taps is potable. Even though we got a terrible score on the EIU survey for the price of utilities, you can get clean, drinking water in Singapore for free.
Sentosa Boardwalk
Island Life
When we were kids (and this was before Sentosa Gateway existed), getting to Sentosa meant taking a ferry or more exciting still, the cable car, which was pretty expensive. Living the island life is now cheaper, since island admission is only $1 (compared to $4 by Sentosa Express and $26 by cable car) if you walk over the Sentosa Boardwalk. That said, carpooling might be cheaper since entry per car costs $2-$7.
Trimming Tresses
If you don’t mind getting your hair maintenance done in the heartlands (you could always get a proper haircut and treatments at a swanky salon if necessary), there are a few chain salons offering cuts below $10, like Snip Avenue and New Station Beauty & Hair. Alternatively, you could try hairdressing schools like Kimage at Funan and KIMarie Hair & Beauty Training Centre.
Gone Shopping
The geeks at EIU must have been shopping up a luxury storm on Orchard Road, ‘cause we don’t know how Singapore came up as the most expensive place to buy clothing in the survey. In fact, we think shopping for clothes has become cheaper due to Singapore-based blogshops and online boutiques. Not to mention the international treasure trove online, especially since sites like ASOS, Amazon, and Shopbop provide free delivery worldwide.
All Images except uberX: Choo Yut Shing