Is It Really Possible to FIRE in Singapore?

FIRE—Financial Independence, Retire Early—often sounds unrealistic in one of the world’s most expensive cities. But for Singaporeans willing to rethink retirement, redefine success, and invest strategically, FIRE may be more achievable than it seems.

Singaporeans are raised on a familiar financial script: study hard, build a stable career, buy a home, raise a family, work until your 60s, then finally retire. It’s a path that prioritises security and stability. However, many young professionals are increasingly questioning whether it’s the only option. With rising living costs, longer working hours, and growing awareness of burnout, the idea of waiting until 65 to enjoy life feels outdated. This is where FIRE enters the conversation. Yet FIRE in Singapore often sounds like a contradiction. How do you retire early in a city with expensive housing, inflation pressures, and high opportunity costs? Is FIRE only for tech founders and high-income expats, or can regular salaried…