How to Save Money: 30Ways

Singapore may be one of the world’s most convenient cities, but it also comes with a hefty price tag. The good news? With a little planning and smart decision-making, saving money here is entirely possible—without giving up the comforts of daily life. Whether you’re a fresh grad starting your career, an expat adjusting to city living, a student on a tight budget, or a young family managing household costs, there are plenty of practical ways to cut back. From choosing hawker centre meals over restaurants to using public transport and shopping second-hand, it’s all about making smarter choices. This guide shares 30 Singapore-specific tips to help you save across everyday areas—food, transport, utilities, shopping, and more—so you can stretch your dollar further and grow your savings with confidence.

🔹 Food & Dining (6 Tips)

1. Cook at Home
   Preparing meals at home is by far the most cost-effective option. Even cooking 3–4 times a week can substantially reduce food bills.
2. Eat at Hawker Centres
   When dining out, always opt for hawker centres or kopitiams (e.g. Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat), where prices are much lower than in restaurants.
3. Use Supermarket Deals & Loyalty Schemes
   Chains like NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, and Cold Storage offer membership perks and discount days. Don’t miss “1-for-1” promotions and catalogue offers.
4. Bring Lunch to Work
   Bringing leftovers or preparing bento-style meals is convenient and saves big. It also helps you resist impulse purchases mid-day.
5. Plan Food Delivery Wisely
   Use food delivery apps’ promo codes (e.g. GrabFood, Foodpanda) and look out for “happy hour” discounts—or pool orders with friends to share delivery fees.
6. Shop at Wet Markets & Value Dollar Shops
   For fresh produce and basics, wet markets (e.g. Tekka Centre, Tiong Bahru Market) are often cheaper. Value Dollar stores (like Daiso) are great for non-perishables.

🔹 Transport (4 Tips)

7. Maximise Public Transport
   Use the MRT and buses whenever possible. If you’re under 26, consider the Concession Card. Adults can save with monthly passes if commuting frequently.
8. Walk or Cycle Short Distances
   With well-maintained footpaths and dedicated cycling routes, walking or riding a bike is healthier and cheaper.
9. Use Transport Apps Efficiently
   Tap EZ-Link or via apps like SG-MTR to track journeys and plan cheaper routes—off-peak trips can be notably cheaper.
10. Don’t Overuse Taxis or Private Hires
    While Grab or Gojek is tempting, fares rise during peak hours. Reserve these for emergencies or group outings when split costs make sense.

🔹 Housing & Utilities (5 Tips)

11. Save Energy at Home
    Keep air-conditioning at 24–26°C, use fans, switch off unused lights/appliances, and unplug chargers to cut electricity usage.
12. Conserve Water
    Take shorter showers, fix leaking taps, and install water-saving fittings—these small changes add up.
13. Review Utility Plans
    Compare plans from SP Services and other providers. Some bundled offerings can reduce overall utility bills.
14. Negotiate Rent or Renew with Caution
    Don’t be shy to negotiate during lease renewal. If you’re renting, compare HDB versus condo pricing—and consider flat-sharing as a cost-effective option.
15. Use HDB Rebates & Schemes
    Singaporean citizens and PRs may be eligible for rebates like the Utilities Discount or Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) waivers. Check HDB’s website for schemes. HDB Rebates and Grants.

🔹 Shopping & Entertainment (6 Tips)

16. Shop Second-hand
    Platforms like Carousell and thrift stores (e.g. Thrift for Good) offer bargains on electronics, clothes, and furniture in decent condition.
17. Time Your Purchases Around Sales
    Make major purchases during the Great Singapore Sale, 11.11, Black Friday, and year-end clearance events. Sign up for newsletters to be first in the know.
18. Choose Free or Low-cost Entertainment
    Explore the National Library, free community events, Singapore Botanic Gardens, parks, and neighbourhood festivals for quality leisure at minimal cost.
19. DIY Where Possible
    Learn basic home repairs or grooming (e.g. nail‐clipping, haircuts) rather than paying for professional services. Tutorials ab abound online.
20. Use Credit Card Rewards Wisely
    If you pay your bills in full monthly, leverage cashback, air miles, and dining rewards—but avoid racking up debt.
21. Buy Non-perishables in Bulk
    Items like rice, canned goods, toiletries get cheaper per unit if bought in larger packs. Store smartly to avoid wastage.

🔹 Personal Finance & Planning (6 Tips)

22. Adopt a Budgeting System
    Using 50/30/20 or zero-based budgeting helps track income, expenses and savings. Tools like Seedly and You Need a Budget (YNAB) are helpful.
23. Set Clear Financial Goals
    Having defined targets—whether building an emergency fund, saving for a holiday, or a down payment—keeps you motivated.
24. Automate Your Savings
    Use banks’ GIRO plans to deduct a fixed amount as soon as your salary arrives. Out of sight = out of mind (but never unscrutinised).
25. Review Subscriptions Regularly
    Streaming services (Netflix, Disney+), gyms, magazines—cancel unused ones. Switch to cheaper plans or share accounts (where T&Cs allow).
26. Curb Impulse Purchases
    Carry a shopping list, wait 24 hours before buying non-essential items, and uninstall apps that tempt you to spend.
27. Sign Up for ActiveSG
    An annual membership gives you subsidised access to pools, gyms, fitness classes and sporting leagues across the island. Check out ActiveSG.
28. Choose Smart Mobile & Data Plans
    Compare SIM-only plans (M1, Singtel, StarHub), or consider MVNOs like Circles.Life—they’re often cheaper with comparable service.

🔹 Healthcare & Wellness (3 Tips)

29. Use Polyclinics for Basic Care
    Public polyclinics are far more affordable than private clinics for general consultations, vaccinations and everyday prescriptions.
30. Check Insurance Coverage
    Make sure your MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans suit your needs. Avoid over-insuring for peace of mind that breaks the bank.

✔️ Singapore-Specific Nuances & Kiasu Culture

• Hawker Centre Culture: These culinary temples offer both affordability and variety.
• Car Ownership Costs: For most individuals, avoidance is a form of savings—car-related expenses (COE, parking, insurance, maintenance) are exceedingly high.
• Kiasuism: The fear of missing out can drive impulse buys—stay mindful and stick to your budget.

💡 Final Tips

Saving money in Singapore doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by tracking your daily spending—just a few minutes on an app can reveal where your money’s really going. Don’t feel like you need to apply every money-saving tip at once. Pick a few that suit your lifestyle, build them into habits, and gradually add more as you go. It’s also important to celebrate small wins, like hitting your monthly savings goal or successfully meal prepping for a week—these moments keep you motivated. Whether it’s eating more at hawker centres, joining ActiveSG for affordable fitness, automating your savings, or buying second-hand, each small decision adds up. Over time, these changes will not only help you stretch your budget but also give you greater control over your financial future. Start small today, stay consistent, and watch your savings grow—one smart choice at a time.