Singaporean Man Juggles Three Jobs, Questions Financial Security Amid Rising Living Costs

Singapore, Singapore Aug 1, 2026 ALN: As the cost of living continues to bite, plenty of Singaporeans have taken on a second job to help make ends meet. The rising expenses in housing, utilities, food, and transportation have compelled many individuals to seek additional income sources. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in urban centers like Singapore, where the economic landscape is characterized by high living costs and competitive job markets.

One local, however, feels even that wouldn’t be enough. He’s juggling three jobs at once and still isn’t convinced he’s earning enough to keep his head above water. In a post on the r/singaporejobs subreddit, the man, who is in his early 30s, shared that he works from home in the marketing department of a tech multinational company (MNC), earning S$3,800 a month before CPF deductions. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a mandatory savings plan that provides for retirement, healthcare, and housing needs of Singaporeans.

On top of his full-time role, he takes on freelance work that brings in an additional S$1,000 each month. He also spends his spare time doing food delivery, earning at least another S$800. Altogether, his monthly income comes to around S$5,600, which is still slightly below Singapore’s median monthly income of S$5,775. This situation underscores the reality that even with multiple streams of income, many Singaporeans still struggle to achieve financial security in the face of escalating living costs.

Despite juggling three sources of income, the man confessed he still doesn’t feel financially secure. “Even with multiple income streams, I still wonder if it’s enough because the cost of living in Singapore feels so high.” His sentiments reflect a broader anxiety among residents regarding financial stability, especially in a city-state known for its economic prosperity.

He’s not alone in feeling that way. Various cost-of-living studies suggest Singapore remains one of the world’s most expensive places to live. According to Western Union, the country’s overall cost of living is around 30.1% higher than in the United States, while average rents are roughly 82.5% higher. These figures highlight the stark contrast in living conditions and the financial burdens faced by residents.

Numbeo’s figures tell a similar story. On average, renting a one-bedroom flat in Singapore’s city centre costs more than US$1,000 a month more than renting a comparable property in the United States. This disparity in housing costs is a significant factor contributing to the financial strain on residents. As housing often constitutes the largest portion of an individual's budget, soaring rental prices can lead to difficult choices regarding lifestyle and spending.

Wondering how everyone else is coping, the man turned to fellow Redditors with a simple question: “How much do you guys earn, how much do you spend each month, and how do you manage your finances?” This inquiry not only reflects his personal concerns but also invites a community dialogue about financial management in a high-cost environment.

“Personally, I think anything above S$3,000 is enough”

Instead of answering the question directly, one Singaporean Redditor said they were more concerned about the long-term impact that juggling three jobs could have on the post author’s health. “Your jobs all sound so intense and tiring? Do you have any time to enjoy outside work or is it just job after job and thinking about money? I guess just basic rule like rent 30% invest 20% spend 20% save 10-20% and other 10-20% put towards like holiday fund or home fund or something.” This comment brings to light the often-overlooked aspect of mental and physical health in the pursuit of financial stability, emphasizing the need for balance in life.

To this comment, the post author replied: “Fair point. It does feel like I’m always working. The freelance and food delivery are mainly to build a bigger financial buffer because the cost of living feels quite high. Sometimes I wonder if I’m overthinking it or if this is just normal in Singapore.” His response illustrates the internal conflict many face as they navigate the demands of work and the pressures of financial responsibility.

As for the question itself, several users shared their monthly budgets. One wrote, “I don’t earn a lot, so my monthly expenses are usually under S$1,000. My approach is to save a portion of my salary every month, but I don’t believe in penny-pinching over every single expense. Instead, I prioritise what matters most to me and spend on those things without feeling guilty as long as it’s within reason. That way, I can enjoy what I value while still building my savings consistently.” This perspective highlights a more holistic approach to budgeting, where quality of life is considered alongside financial prudence.

Another said, “Personally, I think anything above S$3,000 is enough. Cut your coat according to your cloth. I have lived on S$1,000 a month and I have lived on S$12,000. Just budget accordingly and you’ll be fine.” This sentiment reflects a common belief that financial management is highly personal and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.

A third shared, “If I didn’t have a car my expenses will plummet to S$1,300 a month excluding food and entertainment. Cars are oof.” The mention of transportation costs highlights another significant factor in the overall cost of living in Singapore. While public transport is widely regarded as efficient and affordable, owning a car in Singapore comes with substantial expenses related to financing, maintenance, and parking.

What’s the average monthly cost of living in Singapore?

According to PilotoAsia, a single person in Singapore can expect to spend around S$2,500 to S$4,000 a month on living expenses, including rent, utilities, food, transport, and basic entertainment. This range indicates that even individuals earning above the median income may find themselves just scraping by, especially if unexpected expenses arise.

For couples, monthly expenses typically range from S$4,000 to S$7,000, while families with children may need S$10,000 or more each month, depending on their lifestyle and housing arrangements. These figures underscore the reality that financial planning is essential for all demographics in Singapore, as the high cost of living can impact individuals and families alike.

The ongoing discussions surrounding financial security in Singapore highlight a critical issue faced by many residents. As living costs continue to rise, the need for a sustainable income and effective financial management strategies becomes increasingly important. The experiences shared by individuals like the man juggling three jobs serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges many face in achieving financial stability in a rapidly changing economic landscape.