How expensive is a “normal” social life in Singapore?

It’s no secret that living in Singapore has become more expensive over the years. GST is now at 9 per cent, groceries cost more than they used to, and even ordering a Grab has become something we mentally calculate before tapping “Confirm”.

Yet somehow, life goes on.

We still meet our friends for dinner. We still sign up for workout classes. We still pursue hobbies that make us happy. We still try to have a social life despite everything becoming just a little more expensive.

But it got me thinking: just how much does it actually cost to maintain what I’d consider a “normal” social life?

So, I decided to do a little experiment. I broke down the things I regularly spend money on in the name of friendship, fitness and fun. Safe to say... my wallet wasn’t thrilled.

Fitness isn’t cheap anymore

Let’s start with the healthy stuff because apparently we’re all trying to have our “Pilates princess” era now.

I work out about three times a week, which means I have an Anytime Fitness membership that costs me $89 a month (thank goodness I signed up during a promotion).

But gym sessions alone don’t quite cut it for me. I also have a ClassPass membership at $99 a month so I can squeeze in the occasional yoga or Pilates class. They double as catch-up sessions with my girlfriends too, so technically it’s fitness and socialising. That’s what I tell myself anyway.

My hobby comes with a monthly price tag

Everyone’s hobbies look different. Mine just happens to involve spending even more money.

I’ve been dancing for most of my life, so it’s become more than just a hobby. It’s one of the main ways I socialise. My weekly dance classes cost around $120 a month, and then there are the bi monthly socials where everyone gets together to, unsurprisingly, dance some more.

Entry usually costs between $12 and $15 depending on the venue. Worth it? Absolutely. Good for my bank account? Slightly less so.

The cost of eating out with friends in Singapore

If there’s one thing Singaporeans can all agree on, it’s that our social lives revolve around food.

I usually eat out with friends about once or twice a week. One meal is typically somewhere casual like Sushiro (yes, it’s still my favourite conveyor belt sushi spot), where I’ll spend around $35 to $45.

The second outing is usually somewhere a little nicer. You know the type, pretty interiors, aesthetically plated food and good lighting because if we spent $120 on dinner, we’re definitely taking photos.

These dinners usually come in at around just above $100  per person. Painful? Slightly. But at least I leave with enough content for Instagram.

A fun night out costs more than you’d expect

This probably isn’t part of everyone’s definition of a normal social life, but it definitely is for mine.

I love dancing, so I still head out for the occasional DJ night, especially when someone good is in town. Think events like Pachamama, which usually happen once or twice a month.

Early bird tickets are usually around $45 to $50, which I always try to snag because every dollar counts.

I’m also not much of a drinker, but I’ll usually have two or three drinks just to get into the mood. At around $15 to $20 each, that’s another $45 to $60 gone before the night’s even over.

Don’t forget about the Grab rides home

Honestly, this might be the category that hurts me the most.

I live in the north, which means every fun night out comes with an expensive journey home. Those post-midnight Grab fares are no joke.

After my bi monthly dance socials in Bugis, I’m usually paying around $30 just to get home. A nicer dinner in town? About the same.

A night out partying is even worse. It’s not uncommon to see fares hitting $40 to $50. Every single time I look at the app, I have the same thought: “That’s basically 10 plates of chicken rice.”

Yet... I still press “Book”.

So, how much does a normal social life in Singapore cost?

Of course, everyone’s definition of a “normal” social life is different. Some people spend more on travel, others spend more on concerts, while some are perfectly happy staying home with Netflix every weekend.

For me, this little experiment was about looking at what my version of a fairly average social life actually costs. After adding everything up, I realised I spend around $1,000 a month maintaining what I’d consider a pretty normal social life. That’s before, groceries, insurance, phone bills and every other adult expense that comes with, well... being an adult.

Seeing the final number in black and white was admittedly a little painful. But it also reminded me that these aren’t just expenses. They’re dinners that help me stay connected to the people I care about, dance nights that let me unwind, workout classes that double as catch-ups and experiences that make life outside of work enjoyable.

Would my bank account like me to socialise a little less? Probably.

Will I actually stop? ...Ask me after my next girls’ dinner.

Maybe next time I’ll try the same experiment with a completely different version of a “normal” social life. Because let’s be honest, everyone’s “normal” looks a little different.