Is Singapore Expensive?
Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, but budget travelers can do it! With smart choices, you can visit for $40-60 SGD per day. We'll show you how.
Daily Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget Estimate | Tips to Save |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25-40/night | Hostels, budget hotels, Airbnb |
| Food | $15-20/day | Hawker centers, local markets |
| Transport | $3/day | Tourist Day Pass ($15 for 24h) |
| Activities | $10-15/day | Free attractions, budget entries |
| Total | $53-75/day | Budget traveler rate |
Free & Cheap Attractions
FREE Activities
- Gardens by the Bay: Outdoor gardens are completely free. Supertree light show free nightly (8:45 PM, 10:45 PM)
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: Free entry to gardens (pay for special events)
- Temples & Religious Sites: All free: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman, Sultan Mosque, Thian Hock Keng
- Merlion Park: Free to visit and photograph (no entry fee)
- Beaches: East Coast Beach, Sentosa beaches - free swimming
- Walks: Explore Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, Orchard Road - all free
- Markets: Visit wet markets for the experience
- Changi Beach: Beautiful, free, less touristy than East Coast
💰 Save Money: Hit as many free attractions as possible on the first day to reduce costs.
Budget Paid Activities ($5-20)
- Cloud Forest or Flower Dome ($31, splurge on ONE)
- Singapore Zoo ($35, optional)
- Museum entry ($5-10)
- Sentosa Island cable car ($15)
Food on a Budget
Hawker Centers ($3-5 per meal)
- Maxwell Food Centre - chicken rice, laksa
- Tiong Bahru Market - local favorite
- Newton Food Centre - seafood options
- Any neighborhood hawker center - always cheap
🍜 Budget Food Day: Breakfast: roti prata ($2) | Lunch: chicken rice ($3) | Dinner: char kway teow ($4) | Snacks: durian fruit ($5) = $14 total!
Money-Saving Food Tips
- Eat at hawker centers, not restaurants
- Avoid tourist areas (Newton is pricey compared to local hawkers)
- Visit wet markets for fresh fruit ($1-2)
- Buy snacks at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FairPrice)
- Drink tap water (it's safe and free)
- Skip alcohol (expensive in Singapore)
Budget Accommodation Options
Hostels ($25-35/night)
- The Pod Boutique Hostel
- Footprints Hostel
- Wink Hostel
- NapPark Hostel
Budget Hotels ($35-50/night)
- Fragrance Hotel (multiple locations)
- Tune Hotel
- Budget inn chains in Geylang or Joo Chiat
Airbnb Tips
- Share a room: $20-35/night
- Look outside CBD: cheaper in Bukit Merah, Joo Chiat
- Stay near MRT for convenience
Money-Saving Transport
Tourist Day Pass ($15 SGD)
- Unlimited MRT + bus travel for 24 hours
- Best value for first-time visitors
- Buy at Changi Airport or MRT stations
Alternative Transport
- Walk when possible (Singapore is walkable)
- Grab shared rides ($3-4 local fares)
- Multiple day passes if staying longer
Budget 3-Day Itinerary ($150-180)
| Day | Activities | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Gardens by the Bay (free), Temples, Markets, Food tour | $15 |
| Day 2 | Chinatown, Little India, Beach walks, Merlion (free) | $15 |
| Day 3 | Botanic Gardens (free), Orchard Road, Hawker final feast | $10 |
| Accommodation | 3 nights hostel | $75-90 |
| Food | Hawker-focused meals | $45-60 |
| Transport | Tourist Day Pass + walks | $20 |
| Total | 3 days in Singapore | $150-180 |
Money-Saving Hacks
- Go during off-season: Avoid July-August (school holidays) and December
- Visit on weekdays: Cheaper accommodation rates
- Book activities online: Often 10-20% discount
- Use discount apps: Klook, GetYourGuide for discounted entries
- Free museum nights: Some museums free on certain days
- Travel with friends: Share accommodation costs
- Skip expensive attractions: Focus on free & cheap activities
What to Skip
- Marina Bay Sands observation deck ($29) - free views from Gardens by the Bay
- Singapore Flyer ($35) - nice but not essential
- Universal Studios ($75) - expensive theme park
- Fine dining - amazing food at hawkers instead
Want the budget travel checklist?
Get our complete budget Singapore travel guide with money-saving tips and cheap eats list.