See also post on Singapore inflation.

Luxury is personal. This blogpost is for every consumer. I will start with my own definition of “luxury item” is — not really needed in a simple, healthy life, given your income level and based on your chosen peer group.

Some small-ticket examples (except the obvious items.)

• alcohol, restaurants, designer brand wearables
• commercial coffee in the Singapore context
  • low-cost coffee in the Singapore context? not luxury
• any drink beside plain water
• desserts? The price has gone up by a factor of 4 …

–controversial items

case study: bottled milk. Luxury item in the 1970’s China. Healthy food but under-supplied.

case study: private car, including the consumables, taxes, parking, maintenance… But consider the low wage earner in Waltham, with limited bus services.

• low-cost yoga programs? probably non-luxury. Extremely hard for me to practice at home.
  • commercial yoga centers? luxury cos price is much higher
• low-cost fitness programs in Singapore? more of a luxury than low-cost yoga
• commercial gym ($100+/month) in the US without a nearby stadium? non-luxury
• commercial fitness program for kids? non-luxury since it’s too hard to motivate them