Discover the vibrant city-state of Singapore without emptying your wallet with our essential guide to budget travel in this cosmopolitan destination. Learn how to save on accommodation, savor delectable local cuisine, navigate transportation, and enjoy unforgettable tourist attractions and activities without breaking the bank.
Affordable Accommodation in Singapore
- Hostels: Singapore offers a variety of budget-friendly hostels, with dormitory-style beds starting at SGD 15-30 (USD 11-22) per night. Look for reputable establishments like The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel or Atlantis Pods @ Little India for a comfortable and economical stay.
- Budget Hotels: Local budget hotels provide private rooms at affordable prices, ranging from SGD 50-100 (USD 37-74) per night. Enjoy basic amenities and a more personalized experience at places like Hotel 81 or Fragrance Hotel.
- Homestays: For a unique cultural experience, consider a homestay with a Singaporean family. These accommodations typically offer cozy rooms and home-cooked meals for SGD 70-140 (USD 52-104) per night.
Delicious Dining on a Budget in Singapore
- Hawker Centers: Savor authentic Singaporean cuisine by indulging in the city’s renowned hawker centers. Enjoy dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, or roti prata for as little as SGD 3-6 (USD 2-4) per meal.
- Food Courts: Shopping malls and food courts in Singapore often have a diverse range of low-cost dining options, with prices typically ranging from SGD 5-10 (USD 4-7) for a meal.
- Local Eateries: Dine at local eateries and coffee shops (kopitiams) for affordable, delicious food. Expect to pay around SGD 5-12 (USD 4-9) per meal.
Budget-Friendly Attractions and Activities in Singapore
- Parks and Gardens: Explore Singapore’s lush green spaces, like Gardens by the Bay, MacRitchie Reservoir, and the Southern Ridges, without spending a dime.
- Cultural Sites: Visit cultural sites like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sultan Mosque, or the Sri Mariamman Temple, which are often free or have minimal entrance fees.
- Free Events: Keep an eye out for free events and activities happening around Singapore, including art exhibitions, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals.
Economical Transportation Options in Singapore
- Public Transportation: Singapore’s efficient public transportation system, including the MRT, LRT, and buses, offers affordable fares, ranging from SGD 0.80-2.50 (USD 0.60-1.86) per trip.
- Tourist Pass: Consider purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass, which allows unlimited travel on public transport for a set period. Prices start at SGD 10 (USD 7) for a 1-day pass.
- Bike Sharing: Explore Singapore on two wheels with bike-sharing services like SG Bike, which offer affordable hourly rates, starting at SGD 0.50 (USD 0.37) per 30 minutes.
Cost per Day – Breakdown
| Expense Category | Cost in SGD per day | Cost in USD per day |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Hostel) | 15 – 30 SGD | 11 – 22 USD |
| Food | 9 – 24 SGD | 7 – 18 USD |
| Transportation | 2 – 10 SGD | 1.50 – 7.40 USD |
| Tourist Attractions | 0 – 20 SGD | 0 – 15 USD |
| Activities | 0 – 10 SGD | 0 – 7.40 USD |
| Total | 26 – 94 SGD | 19 – 70 USD |
