Daily costs per person in SGD. Singapore can be surprisingly affordable if you eat at hawker centres and use public transport.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: SGD (S$) (1 USD ≈ S$1.34)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | S$25–50 | S$100–200 | S$350+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → Marina Bay Sands |
| Food | S$15–25 | S$40–80 | S$150+ | Hawker centres → casual restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | S$6–12 | S$20–40 | S$80+ | MRT & bus → Grab rides → private car |
| Activities | S$0–20 | S$40–80 | S$150+ | Free gardens & temples → museums & domes → Universal Studios |
| Drinks | S$0–10 | S$20–40 | S$80+ | Kopi & 7-Eleven beer → happy hours → craft cocktails |
| Daily Total | S$50–120 | S$220–440 | S$810+ | $37–90 → $165–330 → $600+ |
Money-saving tips
Hawker centres are your kitchen
Full meals from S$3–6 at government-run hawker centres. Maxwell, Old Airport Road, Chinatown Complex, and Tiong Bahru Market are must-visits. Michelin-starred meals for under S$8.
Free attractions everywhere
Gardens by the Bay outdoor areas, Botanic Gardens (UNESCO site), Esplanade concerts, Marina Bay light shows, all museums on Friday evenings (6–9pm free entry), and most temples — all completely free.
EZ-Link card essentials
Get an EZ-Link card (S$10 incl. S$5 credit) at any MRT station. MRT fares: S$0.92–2.20 per ride. Buses are even cheaper. Never take taxis during peak hours — the surcharges add up fast.
Drink smart
Alcohol is heavily taxed — a beer at a bar costs S$12–18. Buy from 7-Eleven or FairPrice (S$3–5 per can) before 10:30pm — no alcohol sales after that. Happy hours at Clarke Quay: 5–8pm.
Skip the tourist traps
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark (S$32) — use CÉ LA VI bar instead. Universal Studios (S$81) — Sentosa beaches are free. Singapore Flyer (S$33) — ION Sky is free with better views.
Grab app is essential
Grab (ride-hailing) is cheaper than street taxis, especially during rain. GrabShare splits the fare with strangers. Also use Grab for food delivery deals and promo codes for new users.
