S$550K vs S$1.87M: 3x Gap! How Much Do You Really Need?

Previously, we discussed $DBS(D05.SI)$ Bank’s suggestion that S$550,000 is needed to retire in Singapore “S$550K to Retire in SG: Have You Planned Your FIRE Number?” and many tigers shared your own investment and savings plans for retirement. But now, a new report from $HSBC Holdings PLC(HSBC)$reveals that wealthy individuals in Singapore believe they need S$1.87 million to enjoy a “comfortable retirement.” To retire peacefully in Singapore, ordinary folks need to save S$550K, while the wealthy feel they need S$1.87 million. That’s a staggering difference — over three times more!

avatarAN88
07-22
I don't need much so will be conservative 
Unsure about Singapore, I aim to save $3.8mil & withdraw 4% annually to have a basic retirement in NZ. With an estimated annual income of $150k, this allows us to live comfortably. *The Idea:* Withdraw 4% of retirement savings annually to cover living expenses, without depleting portfolio over time *Assumptions:* - Retirement savings are invested in a diversified portfolio, such as a mix of stocks & bonds - The portfolio generates returns, such as dividends, interest & capital gains - withdraw 4% of the initial portfolio value each year, adjusted for inflation *Benefits:* - Provides stable income stream - Allows us to maintain a consistent lifestyle - Can help us plan expenses *Caveats:* - The 4% rule is based on historical data & may not perform well in all market conditi
The real retirement crisis isn’t the amount you need - it’s that traditional retirement is dead. Everyone’s debating S$550K vs S$1.87M, but I think we’re asking the wrong question entirely: “Retirement” is a 20th century concept that makes no sense in 2025. The idea of working 40 years then stopping completely was designed for industrial workers with 10-year post-retirement lifespans. Now people live 30+ years after “retirement” with rapidly changing skill requirements. The binary work/retirement model is obsolete. Singapore’s wealth inequality makes these averages meaningless. The S$550K figure assumes you’ll be content living like a struggling retiree, while S$1.87M assumes you want to maintain wealthy lifestyle. But the real issue is that Singapore’s cost structure is designed to extrac
avatarWeChats
07-19
💥 S$550K enough? Or do you really need S$1.87M 😲 to retire “comfortably” in Singapore? That’s a 3× gap — so who’s right, and what’s your number? 💭 📊 Two Retirement Numbers, Two Realities S$550K is often cited as a baseline number — it assumes you own your HDB, live modestly, and draw down CPF LIFE + cash flow. But wealth surveys peg the “comfortable” figure closer to S$1.87M, factoring in travel, private healthcare, and inflation-proofing. The gap isn’t a contradiction — it reflects different assumptions: mortgage-free vs. still paying, solo retiree vs. family support, low-cost hobbies vs. overseas trips and fine dining. 🔍 What’s Driving the Gap? 🏠 Housing: Are you fully paid up in an HDB flat, or still servicing a condo mortgage? That affects your cash flow and capital needs. 🍽️ Lifestyle
avatarxc__
07-19

S$550K vs S$1.87M: Unraveling Singapore’s Retirement Savings Divide

Dreaming of a carefree retirement in Singapore? The numbers might make your head spin. DBS Bank’s “Life After Work” report, analyzing data from two million customers, pegs S$550,000 as the baseline for a “conservative” retirement, while HSBC’s 2025 Affluent Investor Snapshot reveals that wealthy Singaporeans believe S$1.87 million is needed for a “comfortable” retirement—a jaw-dropping three-fold gap! Why such a massive difference, and how much do you really need to secure your golden years? This report dives into the contrasting retirement targets, explores the reasons behind the divide, and offers actionable strategies to build your nest egg, whether you’re aiming for modest or luxurious. The Retirement Savings Spectrum DBS Bank: S$550,000 for a Modest Retirement
S$550K vs S$1.87M: Unraveling Singapore’s Retirement Savings Divide
I feel a couple needs 2 to 3mil in cash to retire comfortably in Singapore.
avatarECLC
07-19
Possible that S$550k is good enough to retire in SG for ordinary folks if in good health. Otherwise, any unexpected health issues will be very costly. Consider buffer for extra costs if need a helper or stay in nursing home or pay medical/hospital bills.
Replying to @1PC:You have the potential to achieve more when you set your sights on a bigger dream. //@1PC:$550k vs. $1.87million for retirement [OMG]...  I believe to live within the means [Smile] & any extra will be Great [Heart]. I'm an ordinary folks 😎 , will aim for the $550k mark ❣️ first and work up from there [Chuckle] Maybe 🤔 NVDA 📈🚀 break 180++...200++...220++ and Away will help [Bless] [Bless] [Bless] @Shyon @koolgal @yourcelesttyy
I think one will need $3M to retirement. Inflation is being brought about by greed and if u don’t believe , u will be left out in the dust ! Just don’t lose yourself in the way and always reflect yourself on it . ❤️🌹🙏🙏🙏
For me I think 1.1m to 1.5m is enough for me to retired cos I live with a simple life. @Tiger_SG
avatarMHh
07-18
I agree with the benchmarks set by the 2 banks. The retirement sum that one needs really boils down to the lifestyle that one would require. $75 a day would be enough for the ordinary elderly if they only pay for food, not extravagant utilities like long hours of air conditioning and minimal leisure. $200 utilities per month still leaves almost $50 per day, $15 for food and that leaves $35 for simple leisure like going out with friends. The affluent wants overseas trips which has no upper limit because it depends on how well and comfortable one wants to do it and the number of trips. The main thing is legacy funds. A good man leaves an inheritance for his descendants. I think the real dealbreaker would be the health of the person. Healthcare is extremely costly and can quickly use up w
avatarkoolgal
07-18
🌟🌟🌟Retiring in Singapore is like playing mahjong with inflation, healthcare and lifestyle expectations.  I do not need to win every round but I need just enough to stay in the game. I see myself as a middle class Singaporean.  I normally cook at home but sometimes treat myself and my family to nice mid range restaurants like Din Tai Fung and Penang Place.  I love to travel but keep to economy class airfares, and mid range hotels. I love to hoard my CDC vouchers and spend them carefully. I dream of retiring early but know that it is important to invest wisely in dividend stocks, Index ETFs and REITs to build passive income. My target - SGD 1 million in savings using 1M65 as my CPF benchmark. Retirement in Singapore isn't about hitting a magic number.  It is more about c
avatarOnglie
07-17
Take a note on Warren Buffett retirement as a goal [Miser]  
avatar1PC
07-17
$550k vs. $1.87million for retirement [OMG]...  I believe to live within the means [Smile] & any extra will be Great [Heart]. I'm an ordinary folks 😎 , will aim for the $550k mark ❣️ first and work up from there [Chuckle] Maybe 🤔 NVDA 📈🚀 break 180++...200++...220++ and Away will help [Bless] [Bless] [Bless] @Shyon @koolgal @yourcelesttyy @Shernice軒嬣 2000 @Barcode
avatarDiAngel
07-17
I don’t think $1.87 million is sufficient to retire with dignity as inflation is a killer. Everything has gone up.. food, housing, transportation etc etc. Nothing is as cheap as pre COVID time. Hence we need to invest early to growth our wealth. Let the money works hard for us. Of course, at times, we need to reward ourselves for the hard work we had done. Travelling, concert etc - whatever that makes us happy. @MHh
you need a lot la
avatarMrzorro
07-17
I think I belong to ordinary class or maybe lower [LOL]. I totally agree with the retirement benchmark set by these two banks, but still, I believe every one of us will find a way to survive. Singapore government also provides a lot of help to the poor family ( subsidies, vouchers, etc) which is better compared to other countries.
avatarShyon
07-17
The stark contrast between DBS and HSBC's retirement figures is thought-provoking. While DBS suggests S$550,000 is enough for basic retirement, HSBC’s S$1.87 million reflects rising costs, lifestyle goals, and healthcare uncertainties. Personally, I feel S$550,000 might cover the bare minimum, but it leaves little room for emergencies or a comfortable lifestyle in expensive Singapore. Even S$1,600 a month seems tight for long-term peace of mind. I see myself as middle class, aiming for a balance between modest living and some lifestyle flexibility. I want to afford quality healthcare, travel occasionally, and not stress over daily expenses. My target is likely closer to S$1 million or more, depending on inflation and how long retirement lasts. Both numbers serve different purposes. It is