SINGAPORE:

As graduation approaches, a polytechnic student has taken to social media to express her growing distress over the overwhelming cost of living in Singapore, particularly in relation to daily expenses.

In a heartfelt post on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, the student shared her struggle with affording meals, noting that spending between $20 to $30 daily on food feels excessive. This situation is compounded by her busy school schedule, leaving little room for a part-time job to help alleviate financial strain.

“Why is the cost of living in Singapore so depressing these days? It’s shocking!” she remarked. The rising prices at food courts have left her particularly baffled, as one bowl of fish soup now costs around $10 to $13 at local kopitiams. Such increases are discouraging for a student trying to manage her budget.

While acknowledging that there are ways to eat for less, she asserted that relying solely on budget-friendly hawker meals or promotional deals doesn’t seem sustainable in the long run. The thought of entering the workforce with these financial pressures feels daunting, leaving her contemplating her options.

“It’s sad and frustrating to realize that happiness in our country often requires a significant financial investment,” she lamented. At one point, she even remarked, “I just want to leave this place,” highlighting a pervasive sense of disillusionment.

Community Responses: Mixed Reactions to Cost of Living Concerns

In response to her post, fellow Reddit users demonstrated a mix of empathy and critique. Some advised her against considering relocation, pointing out that inflation is a global issue and that similar financial struggles await in many countries. “Look at the positives here — it’s safer, with a lower crime rate, and you can indeed build a promising career if you work hard,” one user commented.

Conversely, some users admonished her for her views on eating hawker food, with remarks labeling her mindset as entitled. “If you want to enjoy luxuries, you need to be willing to make sacrifices. This is where you learn resilience,” noted one Redditor, igniting a debate about lifestyle choices and financial priorities.

Others suggested practical solutions, recommending that she explore more affordable meal options, such as cooking at home or seeking lesser-known hawker centres, further emphasizing that eating out for every meal is not standard.

Adding fuel to the conversation, another social media user shared their experience, explaining that despite a combined income of S$10,000 per month, they too feel the weight of high living costs. This story resonated with many who feel that even upper-middle-class families struggle in Singapore’s economic landscape.

As the discussion grows, it's evident that the cost of living remains a pressing issue for many Singaporeans, highlighting an ongoing debate about lifestyle, economic expectations, and the realities of modern-day living in one of the world's most expensive cities.