Singapore is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide, we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending.
How much does it cost to travel to Singapore?
You should plan to spend around $177 (SG$234) per day on your vacation in Singapore. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $46 (SG$61) on meals
- $10 (SG$14) on local transportation
- $200 (SG$266) on hotels
A one week trip to Singapore for two people costs, on average, $2,471 (SG$3,276). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,236
SG$1,638
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,471
SG$3,276
-
One Month
Per person
$5,296
SG$7,020
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,471
SG$3,276
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,943
SG$6,552
-
One Month
For a couple
$10,591
SG$14,040
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Singapore cost?
A one week trip to Singapore usually costs around $1,236 (SG$1,638) for one person and $2,471 (SG$3,276) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Singapore on average costs around $2,471 (SG$3,276) for one person and $4,943 (SG$6,552) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Singapore will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Singapore on average costs around $5,296 (SG$7,020) for one person and $10,591 (SG$14,040) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Singapore expensive to visit?
Singapore is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Asia, Singapore is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Asia for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, Singapore is more expensive than most.
No matter your travel style or budget, Singapore has plenty of sights, activities, and places to stay that will meet your needs. Budget-conscious travelers will find affordable hotels, but there are also luxury hotels for those seeking more opulence, as well as mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Singapore offers a luxury experience, but you can still keep your spending in check with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $68 (SG$89) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $179 (SG$234) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $487 (SG$638) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Singapore.
For more details, see Is Singapore Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Singapore?
The average Singapore trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Singapore travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Singapore cost?
Singapore on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$38
(SG$50)
|
$100
(SG$133)
|
$282
(SG$374)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4.15
(SG$5.51)
|
$10
(SG$14)
|
$26
(SG$35)
|
|
Food 2
|
$18
(SG$24)
|
$46
(SG$61)
|
$116
(SG$154)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$13
(SG$17)
|
$33
(SG$44)
|
$86
(SG$113)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-17
(SG$8-23)
|
$14-41
(SG$18-55)
|
$31-94
(SG$42-125)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to Singapore can cost just $68 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
Fortunately, Singapore is home to numerous hostels, and you'll find the largest number in the city center. For visitors of all kinds, food is an important aspect of Singapore, but those on a budget often eat street food or whip up meals in their hostels, potentially missing out on the culinary experiences available.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $179 per person each day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Singapore, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Singapore where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at Wanderlust in Singapore or Orchid Hotel Singapore in Singapore for a kid-friendly experience. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Singapore here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $487. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like the major cities and resort areas. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as EXTRAVAGANZA SINGAPORE TRIP - offered by Culture Holidays Private Limited.
Accommodation Budget in Singapore
Singapore has a surprising range of hotel prices. During peak season, everything gets more expensive, so visit in the off-season for better deals. There's also a big gap between budget and luxury options, but booking early helps keep costs down.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Singapore for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $200 (SG$266). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $100 (SG$133) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Singapore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Singapore
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $10 (SG$14) per person, per day, on local transportation in Singapore. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Singapore is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$10
SG$14
Singapore boasts a fantastic train system that connects you to nearly every corner of the country. With reasonable prices and comfortable, speedy rides, it's a great option. For areas not accessible by train, long-distance and regional buses are available.
If your goal is to save money, then public transit is the most economical way to get around. Many locations have trustworthy public transit systems, with some of the best in Singapore. Additionally, many travelers prefer to walk around, allowing them to explore local neighborhoods and the culture. If you're a fan of walking, you'll find Singapore particularly rewarding.
In busy Singapore, it's much simpler to avoid driving, given the heavy traffic and congestion. Parking fees can be steep, making a car rental less appealing. Instead, consider using public transportation or walking to get around and keep your costs down.
If you plan on driving in one of the bigger cities, be sure to check with your hotel about parking ahead of time. You may be required to pay for parking either at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. In some cases, parking further out of town could be cheaper.
Below, you'll find common transit prices in Singapore, gathered from real traveler experiences. These numbers offer a general sense of transportation expenses. It's important to note that your costs may vary depending on your transportation choice, with taxis and other hired vehicles usually costing significantly more than public transit.
Food Budget in Singapore
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Singapore can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Singapore is $46 (SG$61) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$46
SG$61
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Singapore is about $47 (SG$61) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $19 to $118 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Singapore are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $23
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $7
Like the culture in Singapore, food throughout the city is really a combination of Indian, Malay and Chinese cuisines. There are a lot of seafood options available, many of which are served as curries or with Asian spices. You can find some excellent Indian food around the Little India area as well.
Chilli Crab: This dish is made with a whole crab that is coated in chilli sauce. The dish typically uses a mud crab which is common in the area. The sauce is made from tomatoes and chillies, although it is surprisingly mild with very little spice.
Laksa: This is a coconut curry soup that is made with noodles and shrimp. It is typically a very spicy dish. It's a combination dish that merges the cuisines of China and Malaysia with a subtle influence from Indonesia.
Popiah: These are popular spring rolls that are available either fresh or fried. They are often filled with vegetables and shrimp and are wrapped in a rice flour wrapper. They can be served as either an appetizer or as a snack.
For more information and an overview of the cuisine, see this great guide to what to eat in Singapore.
When dining out with children, look for eateries that have a childrens' menu. It can save you a lot of money since these meals are typically more affordable. Some restaurants might not show the kids' options on the menu, so don't hesitate to ask your waiter first.
Many hotels come with breakfast included in the price, but some add it as an extra fee. The quality and cost of breakfast can change depending on the hotel. Knowing what to expect can assist you in deciding whether the hotel buffet is a worthwhile expense or if a nearby bakery or café would be a better choice.
Make sure to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks at every opportunity. It's also a great way to help the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Singapore. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private History & Culture Tour with River Cruise, Hawker Dinner & Tea Tasting for $213 details
- Off the Menu: Singapore Authentic Food Tour with Local Student for $114 details
- Full-Day Bike and Food Tour of Singapore for $198 details
- Christmas Sunset Dinner Cruise with 5 Course XMAS Menu for $253 details
Food and meal prices in Singapore, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
-
Sugarcane Juice
SG$2.00
-
Breakfast
SG$6.09
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Singapore
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Singapore typically cost an average of $33 (SG$44) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$33
SG$44
A nice way to explore destinations in Singapore is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Chinatown Hawker Food Tasting Tour for $84 details
- Singapore Light to Night Bike Tour for $50 details
- Singapore Essential Private Walking Tour for $251 details
- Private Singapore Walking Tour: City Highlights & Hidden Gems for $95 details
Nightlife Budget in Singapore
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $28 (SG$36) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Singapore per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$28
SG$36
While enjoying the nightlife is often one of the most fun activities while traveling, cutting back on drinking can actually help reduce your travel budget in a big way.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Singapore. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl for $18 details
- LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting for $74 details
- Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl for $18 details
- Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local for $26 details
Travel Costs Last Updated: Jun 20, 2024
Traveling in Singapore
Singapore
Singapore is a city-state that was originally founded in 1819 as a British trading colony. Today it is a very international country that is incredibly modern and cosmopolitan. There is a strong financial industry in this country, and a correspondingly strong work ethic. It is one of the most prosperous cities in the world, and has one of the world's busiest ports.
It serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia, and many travelers find themselves here on either their way in or out of the region. The airport is convenient and offers many cheap flights throughout the region and the world. It's nice to allow yourself at least two or three days to explore the area as there are some great neighborhoods and interesting sights worth visiting.
Within the city, the majority of the population is of Indian, Malay, or Chinese descent. These cultures have dramatically influenced the area's culture, food and religion. You'll find an impressive Little India area with many good dining and shopping options. Likewise, the Chinatown area has some great food choices as well as discount stores where you can pick up any number of things.
Singapore is more expensive than other cities in Southeast Asia, but it is still significantly cheaper than most western cities. There are many hostels in the city where you can stay for cheap, or you can arrange a nice luxury hotel for a fraction of what you might pay in the U.S. or Europe. Food is also quite cheap. There are many seafood restaurants around town that offer some wonderful Asian style dishes. As a general rule, you can expect to pay about two thirds of what you would pay for a corresponding meal in the United States. For more information and ideas, see this 5-day itinerary of Singapore.
Taxis are convenient and easy to catch in Singapore. They run off of a meter and prices are set so you do not have to worry about haggling the way you might elsewhere in Southeast Asia. There's also a very convenient and affordable metro system that will take you most places in the city that you could want to go.
At A Glance
- If you've been backpacking through Southeast Asia and you're about to head home, then Singapore is a great place to splurge on a nice hotel. You can find some excellent four star hotel options that are a fraction of the cost you might pay in Europe of the United States. Many offer rooftop pools that look out over the city's skyline. If it's your last night on the road live it up with a nice splurge for the evening.
- There are some great tourist attractions around Singapore, but a more interesting experience is to get off the tourist trail for a while and explore some back roads and residential neighborhoods. It's fun to see how people are living, where they're doing their shopping and what daily life is like in this unique country.
- Public transportation in Singapore is excellent. It's really not necessary to take a taxi anywhere because most places are served by either the subway or the bus system. You'll save yourself a lot of money if you avoid taxis in general.
- You can expect it to rain almost once a day in Singapore, whatever time of year you visit. Come prepared with an umbrella and be prepared to hop inside a shop or restaurant until it passes. Storms are usually short, hard, and abrupt before they blow over.
- Chinese New Year is a great time to visit Singapore. Because there is such a strong Chinese influence over the country, the festivities are popular and there is always something going on. If you're in town for the events definitely check them out. Do make sure you have reservations well in advance though as hotels tend to fill up and last minute prices can be quite high.
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hostel in Malaysia or
Indonesia?
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Top Tourist Attractions
Chinatown: This is a fascinating area in downtown Singapore that is great for shopping and eating. While much of Singapore is influenced by the Chinese culture, this neighborhood in particular retains much of its old world charm. That's what makes this neighborhood one of the best places to visit in Singapore if you have 3 days, because it has everything to offer from interesting sights to food, to shopping. The area between Pagoda Street and Smith Street is probably the most touristy section, and if you head south or east you'll find more authentic sections.
Gardens by the Bay This beautiful park area in Marina Bay was built on reclaimed land and features plenty of activities. The crown jewel is perhaps the "supertrees" which are large sculptures which people can walk through and around. At night a light show keeps people entertained, as does the multitudes of flowers, the flower dome, and the cloud forest. For more information, check out this guide to visiting the gardens by the bay.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: This park offers a little bit of nature in an urban environment and it is a nice little escape if you're ready to get away from the crowds. It's in the middle of Singapore and is on the slopes of the city's highest hill, making it a nice place to take a walk or relax in peace and quiet for a little while.
Orchard Road: This is the best high end shopping district in the city. It's a great place to shop for cloths and gifts to take home with you. You'll find many western chain clothing stores along the street. There are also some high end restaurants that sell some good food of varying styles.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.