Singapore is often labeled as one of the most expensive places to live, but just how steep are the prices in this bustling city-state? One foreigner’s eye-opening comparison is turning heads and sparking debates. Bao Bao Xiong, a Shanghai-based content creator, recently shared a video on Xiaohongshu that’s got everyone talking—and for good reason. He compared the cost of everyday items in Singapore to those in China, and the results are nothing short of shocking.
Bao Bao Xiong kicked off his exploration with a simple observation: ‘Singapore has great food and beautiful scenery, but everything here is just too expensive.’ And he didn’t hold back in proving his point. Starting with popular chains like Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, Saizeriya, and Chagee—all of which operate in both countries—he uncovered price disparities that left him stunned.
At Mixue, for instance, he was taken aback by the prices. A large cup of fresh lemonade that costs just four yuan (S$0.73) in China will set you back S$2.50 in Singapore—more than three times the price. ‘I literally broke out in sweat,’ he exclaimed, clearly not expecting such a markup.
Next up was Saizeriya, where he zeroed in on a dish of escargot. In Singapore, it’s priced at S$5.90, while in China, the same dish costs just 19 yuan (S$3.48). His reaction? ‘Everything in China is basically half the price. Let’s just wait to enjoy Italian cuisine when we’re back home!’
But here’s where it gets even more surprising: At Chagee, he discovered that a small drink in Singapore costs twice as much as a large one in China. ‘Who’s paying for this?’ he joked, leaving viewers both amused and baffled.
Curious about international brands, Bao Bao Xiong turned to Chinese live streamers for a price check on alcohol. In Singapore, a bottle of Jose Cuervo tequila costs S$47, while in China, it’s just 79 yuan (S$14.49). Similarly, Absolute Vodka is priced at S$44 in Singapore but only 75 yuan (S$13.76) in China. The live streamer’s reaction? ‘You didn’t actually buy them, right?’—a question that had Bao Bao Xiong breathing a sigh of relief.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Singapore’s high cost of living justified, or is it simply a result of economic policies and market dynamics? Some argue that the city-state’s limited land and resources drive up prices, while others believe it’s a matter of supply and demand. ‘If you want truly affordable food and alcohol, you might just have to hop on a plane,’ Bao Bao Xiong quipped.
This comparison has left netizens divided. While some agree that Singapore is undeniably pricey, others point out that the city offers higher wages and better infrastructure, which could offset the costs. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about the prices—it’s about the value you get in return.
So, what do you think? Is Singapore’s cost of living a fair trade-off for its quality of life, or is it simply too expensive for its own good? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over!
