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 are 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, as the surcharges add up fast.
Drink smart
Alcohol is heavily taxed, so a beer at a bar costs S$12–18. Buy from 7-Eleven or FairPrice (S$3–5 per can) before 10:30pm, as there are 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.
