Driving in Singapore Without Owning a Car: 2025 Survival Guide for Expats and Locals

Car ownership in Singapore isn’t just expensive, it’s borderline outrageous in 2025.

Between COE crossing $100,000, sky-high insurance premiums, road tax, and maintenance, even a basic car is burning through $2,000/month just to sit idle most of the time.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to own a car to drive one in Singapore.

Whether you’re a local tired of sinking money into a depreciating asset or an expat looking for flexibility, here’s how to stay mobile without the financial baggage of car ownership.

Option 1: Long-Term Car Rental (Most Flexible)

This is the sweet spot between ownership and total carelessness.

With long-term car rental from companies like Stark Rental, you get a fully maintained vehicle, without paying COE, road tax, or upfront deposits.

Why it works:

• Flat monthly fee (from ~$60/day)

• Insurance, maintenance, servicing all included

• No long-term contracts

• Flexibility to upgrade or cancel anytime

Perfect for expats on 1–3 year stays or locals waiting out high COE prices.

Option 2: Ride-Hailing Apps (For Infrequent Drivers)

If you’re not driving daily, Grab, Gojek, and Ryde still make sense, but costs can add up fast if you’re not careful.

Best for:

• City dwellers who only travel short distances

• People who don’t want to worry about parking or maintenance

But if you’re spending more than $700/month on Grab rides, it might be time to consider a rental instead.

Option 3: Car-Sharing & Hourly Rentals

Apps like BlueSG, GetGo, and Tribecar let you rent cars by the hour.

Ideal for:

• Quick errands

• Weekend road trips

• Drivers who don’t want to commit long-term

Just note: availability during peak hours can be a pain, and prices fluctuate based on demand.

Which Option Makes the Most Sense in 2025?

Let’s keep it simple:

• If you drive 3+ days a week, long-term rental is the most cost-efficient and hassle-free choice.

• If you drive once a week or less, stick with car-sharing or ride-hailing.

• If you’re spending over $1,000/month on Grab and Gojek, you’re already at rental-level spend, without the freedom.

Final Take: Ditch the Debt, Keep the Drive

You don’t need to drop six figures to stay mobile in Singapore.

With smart alternatives like Stark Rental offering flexible, all-inclusive car rental plans, you can enjoy the convenience of driving, without the long-term financial pain.