Let’s face it, between that killer avo toast habit and the never-ending bubble tea obsession, eating out in Singapore can drain your bank account faster than you can say “payday”-even more so after the GST hike last year.

But here’s the question: is preparing your own food the holy grail of cutting down your spending?

We break down the cost of prepping your meal versus eating out in Singapore.

How Much Does Meal Prep Costs in Singapore

Here’s a budget breakdown for the week using ingredients from a neighborhood grocery store in Singapore.

At roughly S$10-S$22 for three meals and two snacks a day, the cost of meal prepping in Singapore is definitely reasonable. The biggest reason? Buying ingredients in bulk. Also, you buy exactly what’s needed when you meal prep, reducing the chance of grabbing more than you need.

Hidden Costs of Meal Prep in Singapore

But, meal prepping isn’t exactly all sunshine and rainbows. Here’s the thing: It takes time, and time is money. You gotta plan, shop, cook, and wash which can be a struggle if you’re constantly on-the-go. Let’s be honest, sticking to your lunchboxes also requires serious willpower. That trending cafe on TikTok might be calling to you, but you gotta resist the urge to splurge! Additionally, eating the same thing every day can get boring, fast. Meal prepping requires creativity to keep your meal times exciting.

How Much it Costs to Eat Out in Singapore

So, how much does it costs if you prefer to eat out in Singapore throughout the week? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs.

We can see that the eating out using the budget option costs roughly 2x more than preparing your own food. Meanwhile, the budget rises 3x and 3.6x more for the mid-range and premium options respectively.

Cooking vs Eating Out: Which Should You Choose

So, what’s the verdict between cooking vs eating out? Meal prepping in Singapore can be a great way to save money. If you’re looking to tighten your budget and have a little time on your hands, give cooking your own meals a shot! There are tons of meal prep ideas online (hello, #FoodTok!), so you can find something that fits your taste and budget. But, if you’re constantly swamped and don’t mind spending a bit more, then eating out everyday isn’t the worst thing in the world. Remember, it’s not all or nothing. Life’s about finding the right balance that gives you the best contentment.