Singapore is one of Asia's pricier cities for hotels, alcohol and attractions, but everyday costs stay reasonable thanks to cheap hawker food and excellent public transport. Budget travellers can manage on around 70 to 90 US dollars a day, while mid range trips run 150 to 250 dollars a day.
Here is where your money goes and how to keep the trip affordable.
How much does Singapore cost per day?
| Style | Daily budget (USD) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 70 to 90 | Hostels, hawker meals, MRT, free sights |
| Mid range | 150 to 250 | 3 to 4 star hotels, some paid attractions |
| Luxury | 350 and up | Top hotels, fine dining, premium tickets |
What is cheap and what is expensive?
Hawker centre meals are excellent value at around 4 to 7 US dollars, and the MRT and buses are cheap and efficient. The bigger costs are hotels, which are pricey for the space you get, alcohol, which carries high taxes, and headline attractions such as Universal Studios and the Marina Bay Sands observation deck.
How can you save money in Singapore?
Eat at hawker centres like Maxwell and Lau Pa Sat, buy an EZ-Link or tourist transit pass for the MRT, and fill your itinerary with free experiences: Gardens by the Bay outdoor gardens, the Merlion, the nightly light shows and Marina Bay waterfront all cost nothing. Refill a water bottle, as tap water is safe to drink.
What free things can you do?
Plenty. Watch the free Spectra light and water show at Marina Bay, stroll the Supertree Grove and its evening Garden Rhapsody, walk the Southern Ridges and the Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO site, and explore the colourful streets of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. These keep a day full without spending much.
Is Singapore worth the cost?
Yes. It is clean, safe, easy to navigate and packed with world class food, gardens and attractions. With smart choices on food, transport and free sights, you can enjoy Singapore without a luxury budget.
For more planning, see our Singapore travel guide, our list of things to do in Singapore, and our roundup of the best food in Singapore.
To have hotels, tickets and transfers arranged in one place, explore our curated Singapore tour packages.
Frequently asked questions
Is Singapore more expensive than Bangkok?
Yes, generally. Hotels, alcohol and attractions cost more in Singapore, though hawker food keeps daily eating costs close to other Asian cities.
How much should you budget for food?
Eating at hawker centres, 15 to 25 US dollars a day is comfortable. Restaurant and mall dining costs considerably more, so mix in local food to save.
Is public transport cheap in Singapore?
Yes. The MRT and buses are affordable and cover the whole city. A stored value EZ-Link card or a tourist pass makes getting around simple and cheap.
Are attractions worth the ticket price?
Marquee attractions like Universal Studios and Gardens by the Bay domes are popular and well run. Balance one or two paid highlights with the many free sights to control costs.
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