What is the real cost of a trip to Singapore? - 2026 Guide

Is Singapore expensive for tourists?

Singapore is the most expensive destination in Southeast Asia, with prices significantly higher than neighbors like Thailand or Vietnam. If you’ve just arrived from budget-friendly Bangkok, the prices here might come as a bit of a shock. Total travel costs can vary significantly based on your travel style. Visitors use Singapore Dollars (SGD) for all local transactions, and a mid-range traveler spends an average of $150 per day, covering accommodation, meals, and transportation.

You can save a lot just by living like a local. Hawker centers provide affordable dining, and the public transport system offers low-cost mobility compared to private taxis. But even though the city has a reputation for being expensive, it is easy to save money if you try. You can find cheap eats right next to luxury malls, meaning Singapore works for almost any budget.

What is the average cost of a trip to Singapore?

For a solo traveler, the average cost of a standard 7-day vacation is $1,251, though budget travelers keep daily expenses around $68 by sticking to hostels and public transit.

Meanwhile, luxury travelers spend $482 per day on premium hotels and fine dining, and couples planning a one-week getaway face vacation costs averaging $2,244. The biggest chunks of your budget will go toward:

Accommodation costs
Transportation expenses
Food and drink prices

How much do flights to Singapore cost?

Airfare is the biggest upfront expense in a Singapore travel budget. Ticket prices depend on your departure city, the season, and when you book. As a massive international hub, Changi Airport benefits from high flight availability, which helps keep prices down.

Return flights from the United Kingdom range from £450 to £800. Travelers flying from nearby Southeast Asian countries pay much less due to short distances and budget airlines. Booking tickets three to six months in advance usually saves you the most money. High demand during holidays makes prices jump regardless of where you fly from.

How much does accommodation cost in Singapore?

Accommodation takes up the largest portion of a daily travel budget in Singapore. The city offers places to stay for every budget. Budget visitors save money by staying in ethnic enclaves, while high-end hotels drive up vacation costs with their rooftop pools and concierge service. The final price depends on location, quality, and how far in advance you book.

What are the prices for budget hostels and capsule hotels?

Budget travelers find the lowest rates in shared dormitories. Prices for a standard hostel bed start around $22 per night. You can find these cheap stays in ethnic enclaves like Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam.

Capsule hotels are a good alternative if you need more privacy than a bunk bed. They offer self-contained sleeping pods that are comfy but cheap. Sleeping in a pod is a great way to save money while staying central.

How much do mid-range and luxury hotels cost?

Mid-range properties charge between $150 and $300 per night, offering private rooms, pools, and standard amenities. Locations near shopping districts like Orchard Road often cost more due to convenience. Such properties are great if you want comfort without overspending.

Singapore’s reputation for luxury is well-earned, with 5-star hotels starting at $350 per night and climbing higher for exclusive spots. Iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Raffles Hotel frequently exceed $500 to $800 per night. Paying these rates grants you access to perks like rooftop infinity pools and colonial architecture. Luxury travelers spend an average of $482 per day, with lodging driving most of that spending.

How much should you budget for food and drink?

Dining in Singapore is much more flexible than fixed accommodation costs. Food and drink prices change drastically depending on whether you choose local eateries or fancy restaurants. You can enjoy world-class street food at open-air hawker centres for a fraction of the cost of Western restaurants.

However, a Michelin-starred meal or fine dining experience will cost you a lot more. High government taxes on liquor also make alcohol much pricier than in neighboring countries.

Are hawker centres cheaper than restaurants?

Hawker centres are significantly cheaper than standard restaurants and are where most locals eat. Trust me, follow the long lines—locals always know which stall serves the best chicken rice. A complete meal here costs between S$3 and S$6. Meanwhile, sit-down restaurants charge S$20 to S$40 per person, often adding a 10% service charge and 9% goods and services tax (GST). Hawker stalls skip these extra fees, offering high-quality food at net prices.

The government strictly regulates hygiene, ensuring safe dining island-wide. Famous locations in Chinatown and Little India host hundreds of stalls serving noodles, satay, and curry. Some vendors have even won global awards, letting you enjoy a Michelin-starred meal for less than S$5. Hawker centres are the best way to eat well without exceeding your daily limit.

How much does alcohol cost in Singapore?

Alcohol is expensive here due to the government's high "sin tax," which makes drinking much more expensive than in neighboring Southeast Asian countries. A pint of beer in a standard bar costs between 15 and 20 Singapore Dollars (SGD). I’ve definitely learned the hard way to check happy hour times before ordering that second round. Prices jump in nightlife districts like Clarke Quay, where cocktails often exceed 25 SGD.

Travelers wanting to try the iconic Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel face even higher rates. This cocktail costs 39 SGD at the historic Long Bar. Cheaper options exist at hawker centres, where large bottles of beer range from 8 to 12 SGD. At these rates, a few drinks can easily double your daily spend.

What are the transportation costs in Singapore?

Public transportation in Singapore is the top choice for most tourists because it's clean, cheap, and goes everywhere. Plus, the blast of air conditioning on the trains is a lifesaver after walking in the tropical heat. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and an extensive bus network cover the whole island, linking major districts directly to Changi Airport.

Transportation expenses are very low compared to other travel costs. Commuters pay using a stored-value EZ-Link card or contactless bank cards, which makes switching between trains and buses easy. The integrated system lets visitors navigate the city easily without private vehicles.

Is the Singapore tourist pass worth it?

The Singapore Tourist Pass gives you unlimited rides on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), and basic bus services for a set time. The card comes in three tiers:

17 Singapore Dollars (SGD) for a 1-day pass
24 SGD for a 2-day pass
29 SGD for a 3-day pass

Flat-rate pricing lets tourists travel without worrying about topping up a card. Whether the pass is worth it depends on how much you travel. Since standard fares via EZ-Link or bank card range from 1 to 3 SGD per journey, you need to use the pass heavily to save money. You break even only after taking more than four or five long-distance trips in a single day. This makes the Singapore Tourist Pass a great deal if you plan on visiting many places across the island. If you take fewer than four trips daily, paying per ride is generally cheaper.

How much do Grab and taxis cost compared to the MRT?

Ride-hailing services like Grab and standard taxis cost significantly more than the public train system. A standard MRT journey costs between 1 and 3 Singapore Dollars (SGD), but a private car hire often ranges from 15 to 35 SGD for the same distance. Relying on private transport quickly eats up your budget.

Grab is the most popular app in Singapore and is the main alternative to flagged taxis. Grab fares change based on demand, while standard taxis use meters with surcharges for peak hours and late nights. Even though it costs more, these services offer convenience for travelers with heavy luggage or those arriving at Changi Airport late. Groups of four can split a fare to get closer to public transit rates, but the MRT remains the most economical choice for solo commuters.

How can you save on mobile data costs with an eSIM?

You can activate a data plan through providers like Amigo eSIM instantly, allowing you to get online right away. This digital tech removes the need to pay huge international roaming fees or swap physical SIM cards. Travelers can activate a data plan instantly, so you can get online right away.

A standard 6GB tourist data plan costs $13. This price is much cheaper than daily roaming charges from home carriers. It’s a cheap way to avoid surprise roaming bills and maintain seamless connectivity upon arrival.

How much do tourist attractions and activities cost?

Activity costs depend on how you mix ticketed venues with free sightseeing. Mixing paid attractions with free exploration keeps spending moderate. While iconic parks are free, specific conservatories, theme parks, and wildlife reserves require paid admission. Managing a budget involves alternating these high-ticket items with free sightseeing.

What are the entrance fees for major attractions like Universal Studios?

Universal Studios Singapore is usually the highest single expense for tourists, and an adult ticket costs 83 SGD. Reaching Sentosa Island via cable car adds 35 SGD to the cost.

Other premium sites like the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay charge 32 SGD. Visiting the Singapore Zoo or Night Safari costs about 48 to 55 SGD per ticket. These major attractions will drive up your costs compared to free options.

Which Singapore attractions are free to visit?

Singapore offers plenty of amazing sights at no cost. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is free to enter, while nature enthusiasts also visit Fort Canning Park for its history and greenery. Modern marvels like the Jewel Rain Vortex at Changi Airport and the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay are open to the public without a fee. The Supertree Grove hosts the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show nightly without a ticket; grab a spot on the grass early, as the best viewing angles fill up fast.

You can explore culture for free in ethnic districts like Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam. These neighborhoods offer vibrant street art, temples, and heritage centers that require no admission. Visitors typically finish sightseeing at Merlion Park to photograph the city's mascot for free. Adding a few of these free spots to your schedule will really help lower your trip cost.

Do you need travel insurance for Singapore?

Singapore has a world-class healthcare system, but medical services are not free for tourists. Purchasing travel insurance is a smart move to save you from paying huge bills for unexpected medical bills or cancellations.

For an average of just $3 per day, a comprehensive policy protects you against major financial liabilities, such as emergency hospitalizations and flight disruptions. Providers like HeyMondo offer plans that ensure you avoid paying thousands of dollars out of pocket. Securing coverage keeps your money safe, even though it is not mandatory.

How much money do you need per day in Singapore?

A realistic daily budget is up to you. Backpackers focusing on a strict budget prioritize dormitories, hawker meals, and public transit to keep costs low. A mid-range itinerary raises the cost to include private hotels and varied dining.

Expect daily expenses to triple if your itinerary includes fine dining and exclusive activities. All local transactions require Singapore Dollars (SGD), so monitor exchange rates. These numbers should help you figure out exactly how much cash to bring.

How can you save money on your trip to Singapore?

You can cut your costs by living like a local rather than relying on tourist services.

Dining at hawker centres offers authentic street food for a fraction of restaurant prices, often costing less than 6 SGD per meal.
Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, so you can refill bottles instead of buying water daily.
Using the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) with an EZ-Link card eliminates expensive taxi fares, as most rides cost under 3 SGD.
If you plan on traveling a lot, the Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides and great value.
You can get a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund on purchases over 100 SGD through the Tourist Refund Scheme.
Alcohol can significantly inflate your daily spend, so buy drinks at supermarkets or during happy hours to keep costs down.
Don't miss the free world-class attractions, like the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Supertree Grove light show.

Planning an itinerary around these free spots helps offset the cost of major theme parks.

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