How should I decide whether to own a car in Singapore?

Use a 5-year exposure lens (depreciation/COE + running costs + liquidity impact), compare against your real ride-hailing spend using break-even logic, then decide using logistics certainty and risk tolerance rather than instalments.

What is the cleanest way to compare car ownership vs ride-hailing?

Compare 5-year totals: ride-hailing spend × 60 versus ownership total exposure (depreciation + running costs + opportunity cost + financing drag if applicable).

What should I model first if I’m new to car cost modelling?

Start with the 5-year car ownership breakdown, then validate monthly realism, then use the affordability stress test to avoid becoming fragile.

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Transport Cost in Singapore (2026)

Cluster Overview · Last updated: February 2026

Transport decisions in Singapore are capital allocation decisions. COE, depreciation, and liquidity exposure drive total cost — not instalments.

Start Here

1) Understand your total exposure (the pillar): 5-Year Car Ownership Breakdown
2) Compare against your current reality: Car vs Ride-Hailing Break-Even Calculator · Car vs Ride-Hailing (How to think)
3) Stress-test affordability (don’t become fragile): Car Affordability Calculator (Advanced)
4) If you are buying, choose structure: Used vs New (5-Year Comparison) · Buy Now or Wait? (COE Timing)

If you keep thinking “but the instalment is okay”, read: the instalment trap most buyers don’t see.

Goal: reduce duplicates and make the hub “scan → click → decide”.

Core Ownership Model

Running & Variable Costs

Alternatives Baseline

Decision Frameworks & Comparisons

Calculators & Tools

Affordability & Planning

COE Renewal Decisions

How to Use This Cluster

If you’re deciding “car or not”: Start with 5-year exposure, then use the break-even calculator, then run the stress test.
If you’re already buying: Choose structure (used vs new), then timing (buy now vs wait), then confirm you’re not falling into the instalment trap.
If you want to lower monthly burn: optimise running costs (fuel/parking/ERP/insurance) and re-check your baseline alternatives.

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