The 2025 Dilemma — To Eat Out or Tap to Order?
It’s lunchtime, you’re hungry, but the question remains: Should you head to a restaurant or order in? With rising living costs and service fees, the decision isn’t as easy as it used to be.

As food prices continue to climb, we’re all more conscious of our spending. But surprisingly, eating out might actually be cheaper than ordering in. In this quick comparison, we’ll break down the costs and reveal a surprising truth about dining in 2025. Stay tuned!

Hidden Costs of Ordering In

When ordering food through delivery apps in Singapore, the price listed on the menu is often not the full amount you’ll end up paying. Here’s a breakdown of the real delivery costs that are often hidden in the fine print:

📦 Delivery Fee

In Singapore, delivery fees typically range from S$2 to S$5, depending on the distance from the restaurant and the delivery platform (such as GrabFood, Foodpanda, or Deliveroo). These fees tend to increase in more remote areas or during peak hours.

💸 Platform Service Charge

 Most food delivery apps in Singapore charge a service fee of around 10% to 15% of your total order. This is added to the final price and is a common fee across many platforms like GrabFood and Foodpanda.

🍽️ Marked-Up Menu Prices

Restaurants working with delivery platforms often increase their prices for online orders. You may find your meal costs anywhere from 10% to 20% more than it would if you were dining in. This markup helps cover the delivery platform’s commissions and operating costs.

💁‍♀️ Tips (if applicable in local market)

 While tipping isn’t mandatory in Singapore, it’s common to tip the delivery driver for good service, especially for larger orders. A typical tip could range from S$2 to S$5, depending on the order’s size and the distance traveled.

Examples

A S$10 meal can easily end up costing S$15 or more when ordered online due to delivery fees, service charges, menu markups, and tips. What initially seemed like an affordable option can quickly become much more expensive with all the added costs.

“Convenience comes with a price you don’t always see upfront.”

The Case for Eating Out — If You Time It Right

Flip the narrative: Eating out doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when you time it right. Thanks to Eatigo’s time-based deals, dining out can actually be the more budget-friendly choice compared to ordering in.

1. No Delivery Charges
   When you eat out, you skip all the extra costs like delivery fees, service charges, and the unpredictable price hikes for online orders. With Eatigo, you can enjoy a discounted meal without worrying about extra charges.
2. Get the Real Dine-In Portions
   Say goodbye to soggy fries or cold meals that often come with delivery. Eating out gives you the full experience: bigger, fresher portions, exactly as the chef intended. The quality and portion size are always the same, so you get the value you deserve.
3. More Ambiance, Less Guilt
   Enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant, the social experience, and the satisfaction of supporting local businesses—all while paying less. With Eatigo’s deals, you’re not only saving money, but you’re also treating yourself to a better dining experience, making you feel good about your meal.

With Eatigo’s time-based deals, eating out becomes the budget-friendlier choice. No extra fees, better portions, and a richer experience—all at a lower cost. 

Let’s Compare: Ordering In vs. Eating Out via Eatigo

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the typical costs when ordering in versus eating out via Eatigo in Singapore.

Explanation & Localized Example:

• Meal Price: The base price for the meal is the same in both cases at S$15, but the additional costs differ significantly.
• Delivery Fee: Ordering in typically adds a delivery fee of S$3 to S$5, while eating out via Eatigo incurs no delivery fee.
• Service Fee: Delivery platforms usually charge a service fee ranging from S$2 to S$5 for processing your order. However, Eatigo doesn’t charge any service fees for dining in, making it the cheaper option.
• Portion Size: Delivery meals are often smaller and can be less fresh, whereas dining in gives you full-size portions that are freshly prepared and served hot.
• Discount: Delivery orders may offer limited promo codes, but Eatigo offers up to 50% off daily, providing a significantly larger discount and better value.
• Final Cost:
  • Ordering In: With delivery fees and service charges, your meal could cost between S$20–S$25.
  • Eating Out via Eatigo: After applying the discount, your meal can drop to S$7–S$10, representing substantial savings compared to ordering in.

Bonus Perks of Eating Out (That Delivery Can’t Offer)

While ordering in may seem convenient, eating out offers a range of perks that you simply can’t get from delivery. Here’s why dining out is still a great choice in 2025:

1. Social Connection: Lunch with Friends, Dinner Dates

Eating out is about more than just the food—it’s about experiencing the moment with others. Whether you’re catching up with friends during lunch or enjoying a romantic dinner date, dining out allows you to connect socially in a way that delivery just can’t replicate. No phone screens, no waiting for your food to arrive—just great conversation and shared experiences.

2. Fresh Food Straight from the Kitchen

When you dine in, your meal is freshly prepared and served immediately, unlike delivery, where food may arrive lukewarm or soggy. Restaurant portions are also larger and perfectly plated, giving you the best experience. Plus, if you’re having something like sushi, ramen, or a Hotpot, you get the authentic experience that’s hard to recreate at home or through a delivery service.

3. Discover New Restaurants & Neighborhoods

Eating out gives you the chance to explore new restaurants and neighborhoods that you might not discover if you’re relying on delivery. Whether you’re trying a new sushi spot or a local hotpot joint, dining out lets you explore the diverse flavors your city has to offer and encourages you to step outside your usual food choices.

4. Optional Hook: Eatigo Points or Loyalty Rewards

Many restaurant reservation apps, like Eatigo, offer loyalty rewards or Eatigo Points for each reservation you make. These points can be redeemed for future discounts, special offers, or even free meals. It’s a great way to save even more on your dining adventures while enjoying extra perks you wouldn’t get from ordering in.

Order In Less, Eat Out Smarter

In today’s fast-paced world, ordering in might seem like the easier option. You can relax at home, tap a few buttons, and have food delivered to your door. But when you take a closer look, the hidden costs and lack of dining experience can add up quickly.

Eating out, on the other hand, not only lets you enjoy a fresh, well-prepared meal but also offers the opportunity to socialize, explore new restaurants, and experience a much richer dining atmosphere. And with apps like Eatigo, you can make eating out more affordable than ever with time-based deals that offer up to 50% off your bill!

Final Takeaway

“Ordering in might be easy — but eating out with Eatigo is the real win for your wallet and your taste buds.” You’ll save money, enjoy fresher food, and get a whole lot more out of your dining experience. So, why not make smarter choices? Order in less, and eat out with Eatigo to savor great meals at unbeatable prices.