Singapore has been named the most expensive city in the world, but that doesn't necessarily mean that travelers need to break the bank to visit. In fact, Singapore offers a range of experiences that can be enjoyed without emptying your wallet. From the city's iconic street food to the many cultural and historical sites, there are plenty of ways to experience Singapore without spending too much.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend in Singapore?
The amount you can expect to spend in Singapore depends largely on your travel style. If you're looking for a budget-friendly experience, you can expect to spend around $50 - $160 SGD ($40 - $120 USD) per day. If you're looking for a more luxurious stay, you can expect to spend upward of $200 - $500 SGD ($150 - $370 USD) per day. Let’s break these budgets down into the three main areas; transport, accommodation, and activities.
Transport
Getting around Singapore is relatively easy, with many transportation options available. Taking public transport such as buses and MRT trains is an excellent way to explore the city-state on a budget, with fares varying between $1.50 - $2.50 SGD ($1.10 - $1.80 USD) per journey.
For those who prefer a more private form of transport, taxis can easily be booked through the Grab or Gojek apps. These taxis are also relatively affordable, with the average ride being reported as $15 SGD ($11 USD). Of course, though, this will vary greatly depending on your route and the time of day you are traveling.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation in Singapore can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose and are likely to be the biggest chunk of your budget.
While there are a few budget hostels, they can be hard to come by with so many backpackers using Singapore as a gateway to the rest of Southeast Asia. If you do manage to find them though, expect to spend at least $30 SGD ($22 USD) per night. Most, however, are more like $40 SGD ($30 USD) and above.
Standard hotels range from $85 to $500 SGD ($60 - $370 USD) per night and if you’re looking for a more luxurious stay, 5-star hotels in iconic locations like Raffles Hotel can cost up to $1,000 SGD ($740 USD) or more.
Attractions
Singapore is home to a variety of attractions, from theme parks to nature reserves. Entry fees for attractions vary greatly, but you can expect to pay around $15 to $50 SGD ($11 - $40 USD) per ticket.
If you really want to pack a lot in while you’re there, it might be worth considering a Go-City pass. The pass allows you to visit as many attractions as you want for just the cost of the pass. They are pricey though, with a two-day pass costing $209 SGD ($155 USD), so make sure to add up the price of the activities you’re interested in first to see if it will save you any money. Some of the best things to do in Singapore are actually free though, such as wandering through Gardens by the Bay, exploring the markets in China Town and finding some unexpected wildlife in one of the many beautiful nature reserves.
Some of the best things to do in Singapore are actually free though, such as wandering through Gardens by the Bay, exploring the markets in China Town and finding some unexpected wildlife in one of the many beautiful nature reserves.
Top Tips for Saving Money While Traveling in Singapore
Here are some other ways to save money while traveling in Singapore (some a little less conventional than others):
Try Couchsurfing to save money on accommodation - not only that but you can meet some really cool people and get a good sense of what life is really like here.
Join a free walking tour of the city. If you enjoyed it then pay a tip at the end
Opt for free activities. Some of the best parts of Singapore are wandering the streets and soaking in the culture and spending time in the beautiful nature reserves
Check Klook before you book tickets for anything. More often than not they will either offer some kind of freebie or a nice discount.
Hawkers are the cheapest place to get a meal in Singapore. You can even get 10% off that price by buying a Kopitiam card at one of the kiosks for $2, loading it up with some money, and using your new card to pay for your meal.
Bakeries often have an end-of-day sale where everything is 50% off!
If you see an offer for ‘1 for 1’ this just means buy one, get one free. If you are traveling with someone, these deals can be a great way to save money and try some restaurants that might otherwise be out of your budget
If you see ++ next to a price this means the price doesn’t include the service tax. So, if you’re on a tight budget, factor this in so you don’t end up paying more than you planned.
Exploring Singapore doesn’t have to be expensive. With affordable transportation, food, and some fantastic free attractions, you can enjoy the best of what Singapore has to offer without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway or a luxurious stay, you can find it all in Singapore.
