Exploring Singapore: Is It A Budget-Friendly Destination?

Singapore is a moderately priced destination to visit. While it is more expensive than other cities in Southeast Asia, it is still significantly cheaper than most western cities.

The average price of a 7-day trip to Singapore is $1,717 for a solo traveler, $3,084 for a couple, and $5,781 for a family of 4. Singapore hotels range from $49 to $224 per night with an average of $90, while most vacation rentals will cost $120 to $480 per night for the entire home.

The average person spends about $47 (SG$61) on meals, $11 (SG$14) on local transportation, and $203 (SG$266) on hotels per day.

Accommodation

Singapore is known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It is a moderately priced destination to visit, with fairly reasonable prices for food, accommodation, and transportation. However, it is more expensive than other cities in Southeast Asia.

Hotels

Singapore has a surprising range of hotel prices, with luxurious options available. During peak season, hotel prices can skyrocket, so it is best to visit during the off-season to get better deals.

The average price for a hotel room in Singapore is $203 (SG$266) for two people for a typical double-occupancy room. For one person sharing a room, the average price is $101 (SG$133) per night.

• Wanderlust
• Orchid Hotel Singapore
• Marina Bay Sands
• Lyf Farrer Park Hotel
• Dream Lodge
• 7 Wonders Boutique
• 30 Bencoolen

Hostels

Singapore does not have a ton of hostels, and they are generally more expensive than in other Southeast Asian countries. However, there are still some good options available.

The cheapest hostel in Singapore is 7 Wonders Boutique, which costs $24 (S$30/£18/€21) per night for a capsule bed in a dorm. It is located near the subway, has fast wifi, and offers a basic free breakfast.

Another recommended hostel is Dream Lodge, which costs $46 (S$35/£45/€42) per night for a capsule bed in a dorm. It is well-rated, with friendly staff, a basic breakfast, comfortable beds, soundproofing, clean bathrooms, and lockers.

Homestays and Apartments

Homestays and apartments offer more privacy and a glimpse into local life. They are slightly more expensive than hostels, with homestays costing around $20-$30 per bed per night, and apartments on Airbnb starting at $30 for an entire apartment and $25 for a private room.

Some recommended options for homestays and apartments include:

• Happy Snail Hostel
• Wink Capsule Hostel
• Homey One-Bed Apartment
• Bright Loft Room
• Central, Sleek Studio

Long-Term Accommodation

If you are planning to stay in Singapore for an extended period, you will need to look into long-term accommodation options. Prices for long-term rentals vary depending on the location, size, and amenities.

Saving Money on Accommodation

To save money on accommodation in Singapore, consider the following options:

• Couchsurfing: You can stay with a local for free through the Couchsurfing community.
• Housesitting: Take care of someone's house and pets for free while they are away.
• Cooking your own meals: Opt for accommodation with a kitchen to save money on eating out.

Transportation

Singapore has an efficient and affordable public transport system. The small size of the country means that getting around is never too difficult.

Train

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the quickest, easiest, and most comfortable way to travel around Singapore. Trains run from 5:30 am to midnight, with trains coming every seven minutes on average. Fares are cheap, at $1-$2 per ride.

You can save money on train travel by purchasing an EZ-Link card, which offers up to 30% off train fares. The card costs $8, including a $3.50 deposit, which is refundable.

Bus

Buses are less popular than the MRT, as they are slightly more expensive and slower. Fares are between $1 and $1.50 per journey. The SG Bus app helps track real-time bus arrivals.

Taxi

Taxis are convenient and easy to catch in Singapore. They run off a meter, so prices are set.

Bicycle and Scooter

Renting a scooter or bicycle is possible but not the best way to get around due to hot and congested roads and impatient drivers. If you want to take a bicycle ride, it is better to do so in one of the public parks. E-scooters are not allowed on roads or pavements and are restricted to designated cycling paths.

Cost

On average, past travelers have spent $11 (SG$14) per person, per day, on local transportation in Singapore.

Food

Singapore is known for its diverse and delicious food, with influences from Indian, Malay, and Chinese cuisines. While the city has a reputation for being expensive, there are plenty of affordable food options to suit all budgets.

Hawker Centres and Food Courts

Hawker centres and food courts are a great way to experience authentic Singaporean cuisine without breaking the bank. These food courts are similar to street food, with a variety of stalls serving up local dishes at affordable prices. You can expect to pay around $2-$3.50 per dish at these centres, with a basic meal costing around $3-5, including drinks.

Chilli crab, laksa, and popiah are some popular dishes to try, with prices ranging from $3 for laksa at a hawker centre to $40 for chilli crab at a restaurant.

Restaurants

Dining out at restaurants in Singapore can be more expensive, but there are still some affordable options. You can find main courses for under $20 at certain restaurants, such as The Green Ducklings and Hans im Glück.

Groceries

If you're staying in a hostel, Airbnb, or a hotel with a kitchen, cooking your own meals can be a budget-friendly option. Grocery stores like Sheng Siong and Fair Price offer a range of options, with bread costing around $2 and apples under $3.

Alcohol

Alcohol in Singapore is subject to steep taxes, making it more expensive. Beer is a popular drink due to its lower price compared to wine and cocktails. A small can of beer at a supermarket costs around $1.70, while a pint at a bar will set you back about $10.

A glass of wine can cost around $12 in a restaurant, and a Singapore Sling cocktail at a swanky bar will cost you about $21.

Budgeting Tips

• Take advantage of free breakfast at your accommodation, if available.
• Eat at hawker centres and food courts instead of restaurants.
• Cook your own meals if you have access to a kitchen.
• Buy bread, fruits, and other groceries from local stores.
• Look out for meal specials while sightseeing.
• Share meals with other travellers to save money and reduce waste.
• Drink beer instead of wine or cocktails to save money.

Average Food Costs

According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily food cost per person in Singapore is $47 (SG$61), with breakfast ranging from $8 to $14 and fast food or street food costing around $7.

For a couple, the average cost of food per day is $94 (SG$123), and for a family of four, it's $188 (SG$246).

Luxury Options

If you're looking to splurge on food, there are plenty of high-end restaurants and luxury dining experiences in Singapore. A two-course meal with a glass of wine at a nice restaurant can cost around S$40.

For a truly luxurious experience, consider dining at the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, where you'll pay about $500 (S$680) for a double room and get access to the stunning infinity pool.

Final Thoughts

Singapore offers a range of culinary delights to suit all budgets. Whether you're a budget traveller, a foodie looking for unique experiences, or a luxury seeker, there's something for everyone. With its diverse cultural influences, you're sure to find delicious food to enjoy during your trip to Singapore.

Alcohol

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world when it comes to buying alcohol. The city-state has high excise taxes on alcohol, and all alcohol imports are heavily taxed. On top of this, the purchase of any alcoholic beverage is also subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST).

According to GoEuro's Beer Price Index, which compares 75 cities worldwide, Singapore is the sixth most expensive city to buy beer. An average can or bottle of beer (330ml) at bars in Singapore will cost roughly US$8.37, while purchasing one at a supermarket will cost around $2.60. A glass of wine in a restaurant will set you back around S$12, and a cocktail in a nice bar will cost you around S$20.

If you're looking to save money on alcohol in Singapore, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, drinking beer will be more affordable than wine or cocktails. You can also save money by buying alcohol from supermarkets or Chinese restaurants instead of bars, as the latter can charge double the price. If you're buying wine, it's cheaper to purchase it at the duty-free section of the airport than at a bar or restaurant.

It's worth noting that drinking in public places is illegal in Singapore, excluding restaurants and bars. This includes spaces like parks, and some areas like Little India have stricter restrictions. The penalties for breaking this law can be stiff, with fines of up to $705.

Attractions

Singapore has a range of attractions, from beautiful gardens to cultural neighbourhoods and high-end shopping districts. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

• Gardens by the Bay: This beautiful park in Marina Bay features the iconic "supertrees", a light show, a flower dome, and a cloud forest. The nightly light show is free to watch and is a magical experience.
• Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these gardens are free to enter and cover a large area, perfect for a relaxing walk.
• Chinatown: A fascinating area for shopping and dining, with old-world charm and authentic Chinese culture. The area between Pagoda Street and Smith Street is particularly touristy, while heading south or east takes you to more local spots.
• Little India: A vibrant neighbourhood with great dining and shopping options, showcasing the strong Indian influence in Singapore.
• Orchard Road: The high-end shopping district of Singapore, with plenty of western chain stores and restaurants.
• Fort Canning Park: A grassy park with an Instagram-famous tree tunnel, offering free entry and a peaceful escape from the city.
• Merlion Park: Home to the iconic Merlion statue (half-lion, half-mermaid), offering a classic view of Singapore with Marina Bay Sands in the background.
• Sentosa Island: A family-friendly island with plenty of attractions, including Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, and beautiful beaches.
• Singapore Zoo: A great option for families, with kids entering for free.
• National Museum of Singapore: An impressive museum showcasing the history of Singapore, with tickets costing around $10.
• National Orchid Garden: Located within the Botanic Gardens, this garden boasts the largest display of tropical orchids in the world, with over 1,000 species. Entry costs around $15.

These attractions offer a mix of free and paid experiences, allowing visitors to explore Singapore on a range of budgets.

Frequently asked questions