Have you ever wondered how your finances stack up against others in Singapore? It’s not about competition—it’s about understanding where you stand and how to improve.
Comparing your salary, spending, savings, and net worth to national averages can be both insightful and motivating. Whether you want to save more, spend smarter, or grow your investments, getting a clear picture of your financial health is a great place to start.
Salary
Let’s start with salary. As of 2023, the median monthly income in Singapore, including CPF contributions, is $5,070. If you’re earning around or above this, you’re doing well compared to the average worker.
But remember, income alone doesn’t define financial success.
How you manage your money matters just as much as how much you make. For instance, someone earning $8,000 a month might struggle if their spending habits are out of control, while someone earning less might build wealth through disciplined saving and smart investments.
Spending
On average, Singaporean households spend about $4,906 monthly on essentials like housing, food, and transport, according to the Department of Statistics. Breaking down your spending into categories can help you identify areas where you might be overspending.
Ask yourself:
- Are dining-out expenses creeping up?
- Are subscription services piling on?
- Could you cut back on small indulgences, like $6 coffee runs?
These small tweaks might seem insignificant, but they can add up to big savings over time. If you’re curious about how your spending aligns with national averages, try tracking it.
Savings
Singaporeans have a solid reputation for saving, with 52% putting aside at least 20% of their income, according to a SingSaver survey. If your savings rate is lower, don’t worry—small steps can make a difference.
Start by:
- Automating savings—transfer a fixed percentage of your salary into a savings account every month.
- Building an emergency fund—this should cover at least 3–6 months of expenses.
- Exploring tools that calculate how minor changes can boost your savings over time.
Net worth
Net worth is the ultimate financial health check. It’s the total value of your assets minus debts. The median net worth of Singaporean households is approximately $92,000, though this can vary depending on age and lifestyle.
For younger individuals, a lower net worth is normal, but the key is steady growth over time. Focus on:
- Paying off debts.
- Investing in property or financial markets.
- Tracking your progress regularly.
Conclusion
Understanding these benchmarks doesn’t just show where you stand—it helps you figure out your next steps. If you’re ahead, it’s a great motivation to keep going. If you’re behind, it’s a chance to make adjustments and improve.
The key is to focus on your personal goals and work towards them consistently.
So, how do you compare? Take a moment to look at your salary, spending, savings, and net worth. You might discover that you’re doing better than you thought—or find areas where you can do more.