Living standards of Singaporeans have also improved over the last 5 years. Households expenditure on consumer goods and services has risen by 66% since 1978. (Report on The Household Expenditure Survey 1982/83). Although food accounted for the largest portion of the expenses, it was transport and communication expenses that showed the biggest rise of 134% during the 5-year period. Of this amount, two-thirds was spent on private transport such as purchase of cars and petrol.
The other expenditure which rose substantially by 68% was miscellaneous expenses on health and medical treatment and education, among others. All these point to a substantially improved living standard with indications of changing consumer patterns away from basic goods towards luxury items.