Why Singapore feels pricey to tourists despite its safety and high quality of life

TikToker @withtawakkul posted a 51‑second video showing he paid S$4 (US$3.15) for a packet of Burger King fries and S$20 for a 10‑minute Grab ride in Singapore.

The clip, recorded near Our Tampines Hub, quickly gathered more than 300,000 views and drew mixed reactions from netizens.

Some viewers pointed out that Singapore is ranked the world’s second richest country by GDP per capita, according to The Economist, sitting just behind Switzerland.

The same source notes that the Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 named Singapore the world’s most expensive city for luxury living for the fourth year in a row.

Many netizens agreed the city feels expensive and urged future travelers to research costs before arriving, warning against assuming Southeast Asian prices apply here.

Nevertheless, Singapore’s reputation for safety, low crime rates and a high quality of life continues to attract tourists despite the higher price tags.

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