Budgeting for Your Trip to Singapore
Singapore has a well-earned reputation for being one of the pricier cities in the world. But here’s the good news: that reputation is built on its luxury hotels and fine-dining scene, not the everyday experience.
As a traveler, you have complete control. You can choose between budget, mid-range, and luxury experiences. It’s entirely possible to enjoy Singapore’s incredible food and stunning attractions without draining your bank account. This guide is here to help you decide exactly how much to set aside per day and show you what that budget actually gets you.
How Much to Budget Per Day in Singapore?
|
Travel Style
|
Daily Budget (SGD)
|
Typical Experience
|
|---|---|---|
|
Budget
|
$50 -$100
|
Hostels, hawker meals, essential attractions
|
|
Mid-Range
|
$100–$500
|
Boutique hotels, mix of hawker & restaurants
|
|
Luxury
|
$500+
|
5-star stays, fine dining, premium experiences
|
Budget Traveler: 50–100 USD Per Day
Accommodation
Your best options are dorm beds in hostels or simple one- to two-star hotels. Look in vibrant neighbourhoods like Bugis, Little India, or Geylang for the best rates. Expect clean, compact rooms or dorm beds—perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring.
Meals
This is where Singapore shines for budget travelers. Stick to the legendary hawker centres, food courts, and old-school cafés (kopi tiams). A delicious, filling meal like chicken rice or laksa can easily be found for $4–$7 USD.
Food Highlights (Short List)
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Laksa
- Roti Prata (for breakfast)
- Mee Pok (dry noodles)
Attractions
Many of Singapore’s best sights are free! Spend your days exploring the Gardens by the Bay (the outdoor Supertree Grove is free), walking the Helix Bridge, visiting Merlion Park, and wandering the vast Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The ethnic districts of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam are also fantastic for free sightseeing.
RoamingSimply Tip: Use an EZ-Link or contactless card for the MRT and buses. It saves money on every trip and helps you avoid taxi surcharges, which can add up quickly.
Comfort & Convenience: 100–500 USD Per Day
Accommodation
This budget unlocks comfortable mid-range or boutique hotels, especially around Bugis, Clarke Quay, and Chinatown. You can expect a private room, stylish decor, and amenities like a swimming pool or small gym.
Meals
Enjoy the best of both worlds. Have your budget-friendly hawker favourites for lunch, then splurge a little on a mid-range restaurant or trendy café for dinner. A meal at a casual restaurant might cost $20–$40 USD per person.
Food Example
Explore popular local chains, try a full dim sum lunch, or enjoy a craft beer at a bar along the waterfront. This budget allows for more sit-down dining experiences.
Attractions
Mix free activities with Singapore’s signature paid attractions. This budget comfortably covers tickets for the Cloud Forest & Flower Dome, the Singapore Flyer, a day trip to Sentosa, or entry to the National Gallery and other museums.
RoamingSimply Tip: Consider combo tickets or multi-attraction passes if you plan to visit several key sights. They often add up to real savings compared to buying at the gate.
Premium & Luxury: 500+ USD Per Day
Accommodation
This budget is for five-star hotels and iconic properties. Think stunning bayfront views, heritage colonial-style hotels, and world-class service.
Meals
The sky’s the limit. Indulge in Michelin-starred restaurants, celebrity chef tasting menus, and cocktails at exclusive rooftop bars overlooking the city.
Food Example
Experience high-end modern Singaporean cuisine, enjoy elaborate champagne brunches, or sip a Singapore Sling at a legendary hotel bar.
Attractions
Focus on premium, exclusive experiences. Book a fine-dining cruise, charter a private yacht for a sunset sail, get premium seats at a show, enjoy a luxurious spa day, or arrange exclusive private tours.
RoamingSimply Tip: Consider booking a private MPV charter, often available for around $70 per hour, for ultimate comfort and ease when traveling around Singapore.
Compare Singapore Travel Budgets at a Glance
|
Category
|
Budget ($50–100)
|
Mid-Range ($100–$500)
|
Luxury ($500+)
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation
|
$25–$60
|
$70–$180
|
$300+
|
|
Food & Drink
|
$10–$25
|
$25–$60
|
$400+
|
|
Transport
|
$5–$10
|
$5–$15
|
$200+
|
|
Attractions
|
$10–$20
|
$50–$140
|
$500+
|
Smart Ways to Save Money in Singapore
- Use MRT and Buses. Singapore's public transport is clean, efficient, and affordable. It's almost always a better choice than taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- Eat at hawker centres. This is the number one tip. You get authentic, world-class local food for a fraction of the price of a restaurant.
- Choose a central neighbourhood that’s close to your main plans (like Bugis or Chinatown) to reduce time and money spent on commuting.
- Look for lunchtime deals. Many upscale restaurants offer set lunch menus on weekdays that are much cheaper than their dinner service.
- Plan free attractions (gardens, neighbourhood walks, temples) between your paid ones to balance your daily spending.
Budgeting FAQ: Singapore Travel Costs
As a backpacker, a good target is $50–$70 USD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating exclusively at hawker centres, using public transport, and focusing on free attractions.
Yes, $100 USD a day is a comfortable budget. It allows you to stay in a private room at a budget hotel or a dorm in a high-end hostel, eat a mix of hawker and casual restaurant meals, and visit one or two paid attractions per day.
Singapore is very card-friendly. You can use a credit card (especially contactless) almost everywhere, including on public transport. However, you will need some cash for hawker centres, as many smaller stalls do not accept cards.
Absolutely. While it’s not the cheapest country in Southeast Asia, the abundance of world-class, affordable food at hawker centres and the excellent, cheap public transport make it very manageable on a tight budget. Accommodation will be the biggest challenge!
Check out the other pre-trip essentials!
When to Visit
A breakdown of weather, holidays, and peak seasons to find your perfect time