Singapore is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, but without any doubt one of the most expensive. That doesn’t mean budget travel is impossible — it just works a little differently here than in places like Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos. You can make Singapore as luxurious as you want, but with the right choices, you can also explore the city comfortably on a reasonable budget.
The key is knowing where to spend and where to save. Food, transport, accommodation, and activities all offer budget-friendly options if you know where to look. These are the tips that worked for me.
Food Costs in Singapore
Eating out in Singapore can be expensive — but it doesn’t have to be. In a normal sit-down restaurant, you’ll usually pay €15–€30 for a main dish, sometimes more if you’re in a touristy area or a fancy neighbourhood. Drinks in restaurants add up quickly too.
If you really want to eat low budget and local, hawker centres are your best friend. These are open food courts with dozens of small stalls selling Chinese, Indian, Malay, Thai, and Western food. Here, you pay €4–€8 for a full meal, and the quality is often better than many restaurants. Drinks are cheaper, the atmosphere is lively, and you’re eating where locals eat. Honestly, hawker centres are one of the best things about Singapore — budget or not.
Hotel Costs in Singapore
Accommodation is where Singapore can really hurt your wallet if you’re not careful. Luxury hotels are everywhere, and prices go up fast. A stay at a hotel like Marina Bay Sands is an experience, but you’ll definitely feel it in your bank account.
That said, there are plenty of smaller, simple hotels with very compact rooms where you pay around €80 per night. That’s not cheap compared to other Southeast Asian countries, but for Singapore, it’s a reasonable deal.
If you want to go even cheaper, hostels are a good option. Expect shared dorm rooms and prices around €20 per night. It’s basic, but clean, safe, and perfectly fine if you just need a place to sleep.
Costs for Attractions & Sightseeing
One of the biggest surprises in Singapore is how many things are actually free. Walking around Marina Bay, enjoying the skyline, and watching the light shows cost nothing. The Gardens by the Bay light show in the evening is completely free and absolutely worth seeing.
You don’t have to pay entrance fees for many neighbourhoods, markets, or cultural areas. Even places like Marina Bay Sands can be visited without spending money — for example, by going up for a drink in the evening. Just keep in mind that drinks are expensive, so in a way, you’re paying your “entrance fee” through your cocktail.
Transport – Save Money from the Start
One of the easiest ways to save money is right after landing. Take the MRT (metro) from the airport, not a taxi. A taxi from the airport can cost around €30, while the metro costs roughly €2–€3. The MRT is clean, fast, and extremely easy to use.
Getting around the city is cheap and efficient with public transport. You don’t need a rental car, and you don’t need taxis all the time. Combine the MRT with occasional rides when you’re tired or running late.
Breakfast on a Budget
Breakfast in Singapore — especially in hotels — can be surprisingly expensive. Instead of paying for hotel breakfast, I went to a convenience store like 7-Eleven. You’ll find sandwiches, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, drinks, and even warm food. It’s cheap, quick, and honestly pretty decent.
This one small change saves you a lot of money over several days.
Dinner Tips – Eat Where the City Eats
In the evening, skip restaurants and go back to hawker centres. Some are located right in the business districts, between skyscrapers, where you sit outside on plastic chairs, eating incredible food for a few euros. It’s social, relaxed, and feels very Singaporean.
For budget travel, hawker centres are not a compromise — they’re an upgrade.
Grab & Uber
You can’t walk everywhere in Singapore, so ride-hailing apps are essential. Download Grab (Uber doesn’t really operate independently here anymore). Grab is reliable, cheaper than street taxis, and very easy to use.
Buy a local SIM card or eSIM so you always have internet. That way, you can navigate, order rides, check menus, and find food spots without stress. It’s a small cost that makes everything easier.
Daily Budget – What to Expect
For food and drinks, I’d say €50 per day is a realistic and comfortable budget if you eat mostly at hawker centres and keep drinks simple. You can do it for less, but this amount gives you flexibility without constantly thinking about money.
