‘My kopi O now S$1.90’: Foreigner asks if daily costs in Singapore are getting too high

A Singaporean woman shared in a Facebook group that her daily coffee and chicken rice have become significantly pricier, with the kopi O now costing S$1.90 and chicken rice priced at S$5.50. She questioned whether others felt the cost of living in Singapore is out of control.

While the figures may appear minor, they highlight how these small expenses can accumulate quickly. For instance, buying a coffee on 22 working days would cost around S$42, and a chicken rice meal of the same amount would add an additional S$121, totaling roughly S$163 for one daily coffee and one weekday lunch. This does not include breakfast, dinner, groceries, or other essentials.

Several commenters expressed shock at the rising prices, with some stating that while food prices are still tolerable, drink prices have become "crazy." One user noted that the cost of kopi and tea has increased dramatically, while another suggested that people should cook at home to save money. They argued that the days of dining at hawker centers are over and that people should start preparing their own meals or packing their lunches.

However, some users advised the woman to consider more affordable options, pointing out that chicken rice prices range from S$3.50 to S$5.50, and even as low as S$1.90 at NTUC.