How to Save Money on Groceries in Singapore
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on your daily groceries. For migrant workers, every dollar matters—whether it’s for food, savings, or sending money back home. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can cut down your grocery bills while still eating healthy and well.
Here are some practical tips to save money on groceries in Singapore that you can start using today.
1. Shop at Budget-Friendly Supermarkets
Not all supermarkets in Singapore charge the same prices. Some stores are known for being more affordable, especially for daily essentials.
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Sheng Siong: Popular among locals for fresh produce, fish, and meat at lower costs compared to premium chains.
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FairPrice (NTUC): A reliable choice for affordable house-brand products and frequent promotions.
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Value Dollar Stores: Great for snacks, dry goods, and cleaning products at unbeatable prices.
👉 Pro tip: Look out for weekly promotions. Most supermarkets run “discount days” where prices for essentials like rice, oil, and noodles drop significantly.
2. Visit Wet Markets for Fresh Produce
Wet markets remain one of the cheapest places to buy groceries. They’re especially good for fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
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Tekka Market (Little India) – Excellent for spices, vegetables, and meats.
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Chinatown Complex Market – Known for affordable vegetables and dry goods.
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Geylang Serai Market – Best for halal-friendly meat and spices.
👉 Go near closing time (late morning or evening), when sellers often lower prices to clear stock. For example, a bag of vegetables that costs $3 in the morning may drop to $1.
3. Buy in Bulk and Share with Friends
Bulk buying is one of the easiest ways to save. Rice, flour, oil, and canned food are usually cheaper per kilogram or litre when bought in larger packs.
If you live in a dormitory or shared housing, pool money with your roommates and split the cost. This way, everyone saves while enjoying better-quality items.
4. Choose House Brands Over Expensive Labels
House brands are supermarket-owned products, usually placed side-by-side with more famous brands. They are much cheaper, but the quality is often just as good.
Examples include:
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FairPrice Rice, Oil, and Instant Noodles
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Sheng Siong Fresh Bread and Canned Goods
👉 A 5kg bag of branded rice can cost around $12–$15, while a house-brand equivalent may be just $8–$10. Over time, that difference really adds up.
5. Make Use of Grocery Apps and Memberships
Digital apps in Singapore can help you save more with promotions, coupons, and cashback.
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FairPrice App – Earn points every time you shop and redeem them later for discounts.
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Sheng Siong App – Watch out for weekly deals and bundle offers.
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RedMart (via Lazada) – Often has discounts on bulk or household products, with delivery to your doorstep.
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Fave & ShopBack – Cashback platforms that give you money back when you shop online.
👉 Always check apps before buying, as the same product may be cheaper online than in-store.
6. Plan Your Meals and Avoid Wastage
One of the biggest reasons people overspend on groceries is food wastage. Plan your meals for the week and buy only what you need. For example:
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Cook larger portions of rice or curry and store leftovers for the next day.
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Use versatile ingredients (like onions, tomatoes, and eggs) that work in multiple dishes.
This way, nothing goes to waste and you spend less.
7. Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
It may sound simple, but shopping on an empty stomach often leads to buying unnecessary snacks or expensive ready-made food. Make a shopping list, eat before you go, and stick to your plan.
8. Cook at Home Instead of Eating Out
Eating out at hawker centres or food courts is convenient, but the cost adds up. A single meal may cost $4–$6, which means $90–$120 per month if you eat out every day.
Cooking at home can be much cheaper. For example:
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A packet of rice ($10 for 5kg) can last more than a month.
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Vegetables from wet markets ($1–$2 per bundle) can make several meals.
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Eggs ($3–$4 for 10) can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
By cooking your own meals, you can cut food expenses by more than half and enjoy healthier choices.
9. Join Community Groups for Support
There are many migrant worker support groups in Singapore that sometimes give out free groceries, food packs, or vouchers. Look out for events by organisations such as HealthServe, TWC2, and Migrant Workers’ Centre. They often run outreach programmes to help with daily living needs.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on groceries in Singapore is not about sacrificing quality—it’s about being smart with where and how you shop. By buying from affordable places like Sheng Siong and wet markets, choosing house brands, using apps, and cooking at home, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses.
Every small saving adds up. With a little planning, you can spend less on groceries, send more money back home, and still enjoy good food in Singapore.
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