Singaporeans’ quality of life and concerns in 2025

Singaporeans’ quality of life and concerns in 2025

Despite global uncertainties and rising costs, most Singaporeans continue to express general satisfaction with their lives, though not without caveats. Findings from Milieu Insight's latest wellbeing study in Singapore offer a layered view into how different age groups and genders perceive life satisfaction, their outlook on the future, and the daily struggles they face.

Life satisfaction remains high, but cost concerns persist

Across the board, 84% of Singaporeans say they are satisfied with life right now, with the highest satisfaction reported among those aged 55 and above (91%). While this may paint a positive picture, only 57% say they are satisfied with the cost of living, highlighting a major pressure point.

Younger Singaporeans aged 25 to 34 are notably more likely to express satisfaction with the cost of living (65%), whereas those aged 45 to 54 trail behind at 51%. Women reported slightly higher satisfaction with cost of living than men (58% versus 57%).

Outlook on the future: personal, national, and global

Singaporeans are generally hopeful about their own lives and the nation’s future, but pessimism clouds their view of the world at large.

• 81% feel positive about their personal future
• 82% are optimistic about Singapore’s future
• Just 55% are optimistic about the future of the world

Age plays a role here. Optimism about the world is lowest among the youngest group (16 to 24), with just 50% feeling hopeful. In contrast, women are more optimistic about the global outlook than men (58% versus 51%).

Emotional wellbeing shows generational divides

Emotional fluctuations are evident, particularly among younger respondents. In the week prior to the survey:

• 51% of those aged 16 to 24 felt anxious, compared to a national average of 35%
• 58% felt worried, the highest across age groups
• 47% felt sad, compared to just 16% of those aged 55 and above

In contrast, only 33% of those aged 55 and above reported feeling happy, below the national average of 37%. These findings suggest younger Singaporeans may be more emotionally affected by current events or life transitions.

Key cost-of-living struggles: food, housing, and healthcare

Unsurprisingly, groceries and food top the list of cost-related struggles for 55% of respondents. Other major concerns include:

• Housing (42%)
• Healthcare (43%)
• Utilities (37%)
• Transport (32%)

Younger respondents aged 16 to 24 are more likely to struggle with leisure and entertainment (43%) and transport (42%), while older Singaporeans (55 and above) cite healthcare (54%) and utilities (42%) as major financial pressures.

What contributes to happiness and what needs work

When asked what contributes most to their happiness in Singapore, respondents pointed to:

1. Public safety (63%)
2. Transportation and infrastructure (56%)
3. Housing and living conditions (51%)

However, many also said there is room for improvement, particularly in:

• Employment opportunities (38%)
• Cost and quality of healthcare (22%)
• Government efficiency (26%)

Younger Singaporeans aged 16 to 24 were especially concerned about job opportunities, with nearly half (47%) saying this area needs work.

Life domains: where Singaporeans are satisfied, and where they are concerned

There is a clear divide between areas Singaporeans are content with and those they worry about. While nearly half say they are satisfied with their family relationships (47%) and living situation (42%), many are concerned about:

• Financial situation (47%)
• Physical health (36%)
• Mental health (26%)
• Work or studies (25%)

The group aged 25 to 34 emerges as one of the most concerned, especially in terms of mental health (41%) and financial stability (54%).

Final thoughts

Singaporeans are largely optimistic and resilient, grounded by high satisfaction in areas such as safety, infrastructure, and healthcare. However, beneath the surface, cost pressures, emotional stress, and mental health concerns—particularly among younger generations—are shaping the national mood.

As Singapore moves forward, these insights will be essential for policymakers, employers, and service providers who aim to ensure that quality of life is not only maintained but meaningfully improved.

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