Aims We aimed to evaluate the relationship between living arrangements, and strength of social network with onset and progression of chronic pain over 2 years in elderly Singaporeans. Methods We used data from the Social Isolation Health and Lifestyles Survey, a nationally representative survey of community‐dwelling older Singaporeans aged >60 years (n = 4990) in 2009 and follow up in 2011. We used binomial logistic regression models to examine factors associated with self‐reported onset and progression of chronic pain over time. Results A total of 3103 participants (53.8% women) completed both surveys (weighted response rate 63.7%). The mean age (SD) was 69.4 (0.5) years. The prevalence of mild and moderate‐extreme chronic pain at baseline were 27.7% and 12.8%. A total of 20.1% and 3.9% of the participants reported having chronic pain onset and progression over 2 years, respectively. In the binomial regression models, lower education level, living alone and poorer self‐rated health were predictors for onset of chronic pain in women. Weak social networks and disability were associated with progression of chronic pain in women. Conclusions Chronic pain is common in Singaporean older adults. Living alone and weak social network were sociopsychological factors associated with the onset or progression of chronic pain. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.