Less Are Saying “I do”, Here’s Why Fewer Young Adults Are Choosing Marriage

At just 23-years-old, senior staff nurse Dewi Azalinah had already said “I do” in 2023. “One of the main motivating factors to get married at a young age is the recognition that the partner that we are with is the right one for us, in a sense where communication, understanding and trust within one another is present in the relationship” She mentioned. 

Her story and decision to tie the knot early stands out today where many young adults choose to put marriage on hold or even remain single. According to  The Straits Times, some of the factors motivating their decision include wanting to focus on their careers to build a comfortable life, concerns of the cost of living, and not having met the right person yet at their young age.

 Following this, Dewi also noted that “the main reason for fewer people our age getting married is due to career and self-development”.

 In an interview with The Straits Times, Dr Chew Han Ei, an adjunct senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS), said that "(Young people) almost have checkboxes these days before they can consider marriage and parenthood. They want to check off their job, they want the ability to have their own home and a comfortable life, being able to travel twice or three times a year”.

This suggests that for many young adults, delaying marriage is strongly influenced by the desire to focus on themselves and achieving goals before making a long-term commitment like marriage.

The economic pressure from the rising cost of living is also a determining reason for less young adults being married. According to SmartWealth Singapore has constantly been ranked as one of the cities with a high cost of living. Expenses like weddings, housing, and even daily necessities have inflated.

 SnartWealth also reported the estimated monthly cost of living in Singapore for different groups such as the single and married. According to their table, taking example from the low-range, the monthly cost of living of a single adult with rent is $1245 while that of a couple is $2740. The cost of living for couples in Singapore is approximately 120% more.  

Following the data reported by SmartWealth, it is clear why many young adults now prefer to remain unmarried or single. The higher cost they must cover can be financially daunting especially if they have yet to have a stable income.