Woman claims Singapore is ‘slightly more expensive’ than Mumbai

Last updated:Nov 17, 2024 09:00 IST

Although there is a significant economic gap between Singapore and Mumbai, the user found it shocking that restaurants in Singapore were priced the same as those in Mumbai.

Many users attributed the high cost of dining out to classism in India. (Representative image)

Singapore has long been considered the most expensive city in the world and is often associated with a high cost of living, luxurious public spaces and excellent public transport. Amid this, an Indian tourist was shocked to find that the cost of cafes and restaurants in Singapore was comparable to that in Mumbai. Although there is a significant economic gap between Singapore and Mumbai, she said it was “insane” that restaurants in Singapore had the same prices as those in Mumbai. Her post sparked a debate among netizens on the reasons for growing inflation in India.

“Was in Singapore for a week and was shocked by the fact that Mumbai is so expensive when it comes to nice cafes/restaurants and going out, coffee, ubers, experiences etc. Like Singapore was just as/very slightly more expensive than most restaurants in Bandra and that is absolutely insane,” the social media user wrote on X. The post, shared on November 15, has been viewed more than 55,000 times.

In another post, she highlighted the exorbitant prices in Mumbai eateries, stating that “drinks in nice restaurants in Mumbai cost 800-1200 including taxes, boojee charges 600 for a sandwich and that’s how much their equivalents in SG also cost – the basic you need to pay for some comfort and luxury in India is so high with restaurants, hotel stays, drinks, cafes, etc.

Many users attributed the high cost of dining out to classism in India. One user commented: “Indian cities are crazy expensive for everything. I feel like it’s a combination of crazy high rents in India that are blowing everything up, and classism – people want to be cut off from most of society.”

To this, the social media user replied: “It is because of inequality that even small things like getting a cup of coffee at a cafe is a “luxury” that costs Rs 450, while most of us do not earn as much as our counterparts in the developed countries. to make this expenditure meaningful.”

Another user said, “Real estate prices in Mumbai are very high. The fixed costs are very high for restaurant owners if they do not own the land. They also have other expenses. No other choice.”

Singapore, which competes with cities such as New York and London in terms of cost of living, consistently tops international surveys. The reputation of a city where luxury comes at a price is reinforced by rising real estate prices, exorbitant car ownership costs and high-end dining alternatives. Meanwhile, Mumbai is not exactly known for being affordable.