Why Café Culture Is Becoming a Liveability Benchmark
When we think about tech hubs, we often focus on infrastructure, talent pools, and connectivity. But Savills’ newly launched Matcha Index introduces a more lifestyle-driven perspective — one that resonates strongly with how modern professionals choose where to live and work.
Replacing the long-running Flat White Index, the Matcha Index reflects changing lifestyle preferences, especially among younger tech workers. Matcha, once niche, has become a mainstream marker of wellness-oriented, café-centric urban living.
From a Singapore real estate perspective, this reinforces something we already see on the ground: liveability today is as much about daily experiences as it is about employment opportunities.
🧾 Infographic: How the Savills Matcha Index Works
🍵 Availability of Matcha
- Number of coffee shops across the city
- Proportion of cafés serving matcha-based drinks
☕ Quality of Coffee Shops
- Presence of third-wave specialty cafés
- Average customer ratings
💵 Affordability of Matcha
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Average price of a matcha latte (USD comparison)
🌏 Lifestyle Signal
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Measures how well cities blend work, leisure and social connectivity
How Singapore Performed in the Matcha Index
Singapore ranked 7th globally, making it:
- The only Southeast Asian city in the top 12
- One of just two Asian cities represented
Matcha latte prices in Singapore average US$5.43, placing it toward the higher end of the cost spectrum. However, Savills highlights that affordability alone doesn’t define liveability.
Instead, Singapore’s strengths lie in:
- Strong café availability across neighbourhoods
- High-quality specialty coffee scene
- Excellent transport and digital connectivity
- A lifestyle ecosystem that extends beyond cafés into food, retail and social spaces
As noted by Savills Singapore, matcha has become deeply embedded into the local café culture — appearing not just in drinks, but in desserts, gelato and even bubble tea.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers & Tenants
From a real estate standpoint, global liveability rankings increasingly influence:
- Where tech professionals choose to relocate
- Rental demand in city-fringe and lifestyle-centric districts
- Long-term desirability of mixed-use and well-connected neighbourhoods
Cities that successfully integrate innovation with lifestyle tend to sustain stronger residential demand over time — a trend that Singapore continues to demonstrate.
✅ Key Takeaways
✅ Singapore ranks 7th globally in Savills’ inaugural Matcha Index
✅ Only Southeast Asian city to make the top 12
✅ Strong café quality and availability offset higher matcha prices
✅ Lifestyle factors are increasingly shaping tech city liveability
✅ Reinforces Singapore’s appeal to globally mobile professionals
Thinking About Living or Investing in Lifestyle-Centric Areas?
If you’re exploring homes near vibrant café clusters, mixed-use districts, or tech-friendly neighbourhoods — whether for own stay or rental demand — feel free to reach out. I’m happy to share insights tailored to your needs.