Surviving Singapore on a budget is your go-to guide to learning the best ways to make your visit to Singapore budget-friendly.
Jack and I spent a few days in this incredible city during our world trip. I had a great time. Unfortunately, Jack had Covid, so he was hotel-bound for the first couple of days! But that didn’t stop me from exploring, and once he was given the all-clear, he joined me for a wonderful, culturally rich visit.
It’s a wonderful place to visit and walk around with some iconic attractions. So I guess the only question is, with all these amazing things to do in Singapore, is it really possible to visit Singapore on a budget?
In this post, I’ll talk about how you can survive in Singapore on a budget and give my honest opinion about visiting Singapore. I’ll cover topics like:
- What kind of budget you will need
- Share my favourite free activities in Singapore.
- Where to eat and stay that’s both safe and cost-effective.
- Things you should know before you visit – some things might surprise you!)
Are you planning a trip soon? Here are useful links to begin planning!
Accommodations – I recommend Booking.com
Flights – I recommend Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – I recommend SafetyWing
Tours/experiences – I recommend Get Your Guide
Car rental – I recommend DiscoverCars
These are all the sites I personally use to book my trips, and if you use them, some of them will earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping my site up. Thanks!
Can You Visit Singapore On A Budget?
In truth, I guess it depends on what kind of budget we’re talking about.
If you’re on a backpacking trip across southeast Asia, it’s unlikely your travel budget will allow for a stop-over in Singapore. It continuously gets voted as one of the most expensive countries in the world and in comparison, it is expensive.
That being said, if you plan for a stop in Singapore and budget accordingly, it can be done on a lower budget. Think S$90 / £60 / $67 a day, for your Singapore vacation cost.
👉 Related Post –>> Find out how you can visit Singapore for 5 days for free (almost) in our 5 days in Singapore For Free: Itinerary For Budget Travellers. The perfect itinerary for a quick stopover in Singapore!
Is Singapore Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, Singapore is worth visiting. It’s actually somewhere Jack and I want to revisit with maybe a slightly larger budget, as when we visited, we did do Singapore on a budget which meant we missed out on a few attractions.
However, we managed to visit the main attractions while taking full advantage of the money-saving tips below. I had a great time; Jack actually caught covid and was quarantined for the first 3 days, which was a bummer and another reason we want to go again.
Doing Singapore on a budget is a great way to experience the country in a modest manner and allows for more interaction with locals and traditional culture, which we enjoyed.
That being said, going back and enjoying the city as a ‘flash packer’ is also something to look forward to!
How To Get To Singapore On A Budget
The easiest way to get to Singapore if you’re on a budget is to fly on a budget airline. There are numerous airlines which offer flights to Singapore; it’s also good practice to monitor flight prices for a few months before you travel.
You can sign up for flight notifications with companies like Skyscanner and Kayak which will notify you of price fluctuations.
As a rule of thumb, the best time to book a flight is around 2-3 weeks before your departure date. That being said, you should keep a look out for deals as Singapore often comes up with flight deals. Don’t forget to check their national airline Singapore Airlines.
Another way to reach Singapore is by bus from Malaysia. If you’re coming (or going) that way the journey from Kula Lumpur takes around 9 hours and costs £20/$25 one way. Search for more bus times.
13 Tips For Saving Money In Singapore
Use these 13 great tips for saving money while you travel to Singapore!
1. Use the MRT to travel around Singapore (or walk)
One of the most easiest and convenient ways to travel around Singapore is on their MRT transport system. It was fantastic! To be honest, we were a little envious of how well it ran in comparison to our London underground.
The MRT connects most of Singapore and you will be able to access all the major tourist attractions via it. There are loads of stops to get you to where you need to go and it’s used religiously by the locals. It’s clean, efficient and cheap!
Why not explore on foot?
Another way to explore the city is to walk. You are sure to find some side alleys with trendy cafes and bars, hawker stalls and interesting sites.
On one of the days in Singapore that Jack remained in the room (because of Covid), I went out exploring on foot and that’s when I fell in love with the city!
I found some great little spots, ate some delicious food and admired the architecture. I took in the green, living walls and marvelled at how modern the city was even though it still maintained its traditional roots, cemented in small areas throughout the city.
There are also taxis, but…
One thing that I don’t recommend if you’re travelling to Singapore on a budget is to use taxis. They can get really expensive and you need to be careful you’re not taken for a ride…
It is possible to use Grab (which is similar to Uber) while you’re in Singapore. This is a cheaper way to use a taxi service should you need to. I would strongly recommend using the MRT if you’re trying to save money while in Singapore.
⭐ Pro-tip –>> Be sure to catch the train from Changi airport into the city instead of a taxi which is likely to cost you around S$30! The train was really easy and cheap; it can be found in the basement of Terminal 2! (FYI S$ = Singapore Dollars)
2. Get an EZ-Link card for the MRT and NOT the Tourist Pass
Using public transport in Singapore is really cost-effective and it’s efficient to purchase an EZ-Link card from the TransitLink Tourist Office at Changi Airport before you start your adventure to Singapore city.
The EZ-Link card can be purchased for S$12 at any MRT or LRT station and provides you with S$7 credit. It’s easily topped up at the stations and at 7Eleven convenience stores which can be found easily throughout the city.
You can also buy the EZ-Link card at the 7Elevens at the cost of S$10 with S$5 credit.
The great thing about these cards is that they make it possible to travel on trains and buses efficiently. All you need to do is touch the card to the reader on the gate and you’ll be able to pass through.
The Tourist Pass
I’ve noticed that some people have recommended the Tourist Pass, however, unless you are making more than 5 trips on either the MRT or the bus throughout the day it doesn’t break even and will be money wasted.
Good to know: MRT fares for a single trip range from S$1.40 to S$2.50 while bus fares are between S$1.00 to S$2.10.
Just so you know, the Tourist Pass is available for one, two and three days and all passes require a S$10 refundable deposit. A 1-day pass costs S$10, a 2-day is S$16 and a 3-day pass is S$20.
When we visited Singapore we used the trains/buses about 3 to 4 times a day at the absolute maximum. On some days we didn’t use them at all.
Singapore really is the perfect city for walking around and I encourage you to do the same if you want to visit Singapore on a budget!
3. Eat in Hawker Centres
Hawker centres are dotted throughout Singapore and offer an open-air community dining experience. They are the go-to places for any savvy budget-traveller to white-collared Singaporean who wants to enjoy delicious, flavoursome dishes from all over Asia.
In fact, the Hawker Centres are so ingrained into the Singaporean lifestyle that the Hawker culture has now made it to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This is a massive commendation to the hardworking, backbreaking work the Hawkers put into their stalls. There are some who have even been awarded a Michelin Star!
The great thing about the Hawker Centres is that you’ll be able to pick up a meal between S$3 – S$10, meaning if you want to visit Singapore on a budget, you can be sure you’ll have great food choices at affordable prices.
⭐ Pro-tip –>> To make sure you’re sticking to your Singapore budget I would visit Hawker stalls for breakfast, lunch and dinner which would cost you around S$15-S$18 a day. If you want to eat at a restaurant once a day then you’ll need at least S$20 more per day.
4. Go for lunch instead of dinner
If you do decide to head out to a restaurant for a meal and as there are many excellent places to eat, I wouldn’t blame you, your best bet is to go for lunch instead of dinner.
In Singapore, and much like any other buzzing metropolitan city, a lot of the restaurants offer lunchtime specialities and set menus which are much more affordable than their standard menus.
As for Singaporean specialities, of which there are many, you can’t go wrong with the chilli crab but make sure you order it with bread to soak up the juices. The Katong laksa is also popular as are the fishhead curry and chicken and rice dishes.
⭐ Pro-tip –>> To save even more money, head to areas such as Chinatown and Little India which have some fantastic dining choices at better prices!
Here is a list of websites to help make your foodie adventure around Singapore easier,
If You Do Want To Splurge A Little On Food Then Why Not Try A Local Food Tasting Tour? Discover the best food-tasting tour in Singapore here!
5. Use online deals for lunch reservations
Just like at home (UK) there are a couple of good sites which you can use to find food deals in Singapore. Sites like Fave and Chope which are similar to Groupon, operate in Singapore and although you need to be careful with certain restrictions (read the fine print) most deals are fine for tourists.
You’ll be able to make huge savings on restaurant reservations for sure. Jack and I used a restaurant deal just as we would back home and had no issues.
6. You can drink tap water!
Can you drink tap water in Singapore? Yes, you can. How amazing is that! Singapore is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia where tap water is drinkable.
This is great for all of us who are travelling to Singapore on a budget as it means no paying for bottled water! This is also great for the environment as you won’t need to throw away countless plastic bottles.
Be sure to carry a reusable water bottle during your travels so you can fill it up easily. In countries where it’s not possible to drink tap water Jack and I use our Grayl Geopress Purificator bottle which is great at filtering water.
We use the Grayl Water Purification Bottle: It’s a top-rated and best-selling water filtration and purification bottle for backpacking, hiking, camping, emergency prep and global travel. Great for countries in Southeast Asia!
Unfortunately, there are no drinking water fountains in Singapore that you can fill up from, but luckily, it’s possible to fill up at public taps. It might not seem the most hygienic but the water is good and best of all, free.
7. Don’t drink too much alcohol
If you really want to keep your Singapore vacation costs down then reducing your alcohol consumption is seriously going to help keep to a sensible budget. In truth, if you really need to budget it’s best to cut it out completely.
But you know, where’s the fun in that?
Unfortunately, unlike many other southeast Asian countries where you can always choose the beer option for cheaper drinks, there’s no such luck in Singapore! Singapore is actually the 6th most expensive country in the world for beer. So, you won’t save much money there.
If you are going to drink, then choose the two locally-produced beers which are Tiger and Anchor. Both are a refreshing gold-coloured lager which we liked. Fun fact: local Singaporeans actually like to put ice in the beer!
For drinks, beer is typically S$12 for a 330ml can. A glass of wine is about S$12-S$16, and cocktails range between S$22 – S$30. Even a latte will set you back around S$6.
8. If you must, choose bars which have drink deals
One way to save money on your drinks is to search for drinking deals around the city such as 2-4-1, happy hours and buy 1 get 1 free. Amazingly, you can find these at some of Singapore’s top drinking spots.
These are a handful of places which offer great drink deals to keep you on target,
One thing which can’t be missed is a Singapore Sling cocktail. The famous cocktail was invented at the Raffles Hotel in 1915 and if you want to splurge on any drinking experience then it’s probably the one. Keep in mind you’ll be looking at S$32 for the original taste.
9. Shop in the markets and not the malls
One thing that we all love to do on holiday is to spend our hard-earned cash on a nice shopping spree. Of course, if you’re in Singapore on a budget then it’s unlikely you’re going to be spending too much time shopping, however, you won’t want to miss out!
Singapore is chocker-block full of shopping malls and districts which are just calling out to be explored. Luckily for us, there are some local hot spots where you can find amazing deals.
It’s important to stay away from the larger ‘tourist-trap’ shopping malls for your shopping trips. Places such as The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and ION Orchard are a big no-no.
Instead, head to places like Mustafa Centre in Little India, Chinatown Street Market, Bugis Street Market or City Plaza. These are great local spots where you can barter. You’ll find every product imaginable from clothes and shoes to jewellery, souvenirs, beauty products and Hawker stands!
10. Sign-up for a wise account
One way to save money while you’re in Singapore is to use a Wise Card. A friend of mine recommended the account and it turned out to be one of the best things we did!
The Wise is an international account which allows you to easily switch between accounts and currencies and offers very low exchange rates.
By using the app we were able to monitor our spending a lot easier and save money by not paying exchange rates numerous times when paying by card.
We would transfer an amount of money from our English account to our Singapore account and only have to pay an exchange rate, at that point, once. The card uses the Singapore account which is all managed on the app. We did this in each country we visited and saved on ATM withdrawals too!
11. Find the FREE things to do in Singapore
If you know where to look you can find a load of free activities in Singapore. These activities are the main reasons that visiting Singapore on a budget is possible.
The city is full of free things to do from walking around heritage sites to exploring parks and gardens, light shows, religious landmarks and free street entertainment.
Nature Parks & Gardens
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore is Gardens by the Bay and for good reason. The bay area is something stunning and has been designed to create an artistic horticulture experience.
Did you know that it’s actually free to walk around the gardens? There are a ton of different attractions too, all with unique displays to keep you busy for hours.
Keep in mind the 5 attractions you do have to pay for are the Flower Dome, the Cloud Dome, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skywalk and Supertree Observatory. However, these are all under S$8 (except floral fantasy at S$10). So, you could easily fit a couple into your Singapore budget.
Another thing worth mentioning is the evening light shows are also free! Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa Island all have great displays.
Another beautiful spot which is totally free to enter is the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Jack and I really loved walking around there and exploring the different gardens which showcased the best and most spectacular tropical flora.
Bear in mind, there is a fee to enter the National Orchid Garden which is S$15. We decided not to enter as we saw a lot of breathtaking orchids in the Flower Dome/Cloud Dome at Gardens by the Bay.
Another park which is worth visiting is Fort Canning Park, which is an iconic hilltop landmark. Southern Ridges National Park and MacRitchie Reservoir Park for the celebrated Treetop Walk are also good.
Sengkang Floating Wetland and Jurong Lake Gardens are quieter spots which attract more locals than tourists.
Religious Landmarks
If you’re into your religious history you will enjoy strolling around the city and finding the religious landmarks. Many of them date back 200 years to the start of colonisation and are free to enter.
Interestingly, there was no main religion in Singapore at this time and so early communities brought with them and established their own religions.
Singapore, therefore, sees a mixture of religions. Buddhism and Taoism are the main ones followed by Islam, Hinduism, Catholicism and Protestantism.
Some of the main religious attractions in Singapore are the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Burmese Buddhist Temple, Sultan Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple, Nagore Dargah Shrine, Cathedral of the Good Shepard and St. Andrews Church.
Heritage Sites
Another great thing about Singapore is its heritage sites. These are wonderful areas which offer an insight into the country’s rich culture and traditions.
There are many districts in which you can walk around to discover the city’s past. Some of Singapore’s best cultural heritage is conserved in historic buildings within these districts and landscapes. The great thing about this is the heritage trails are all free!
Popular heritage streets can be found in Little India and Chinatown. The Peranakan Houses in Joo Chiat along Koon Seng Road are also popular as well as Kampong Glam and Katong.
The main ethnic groups in Singapore also have their own heritage centres which are free to enter.
Street Entertainment
Singapore is full of incredible street entertainment which is free for us to enjoy. You’ll be able to relish in the raw talent of young artists from singers, jesters and even a bubble girl to local street art and open-air cinemas.
The busking scene in Singapore is becoming hugely popular. People are flocking to busy areas outside shopping centres and MRT stations to showcase their talent. You can too!
You can find acts outside shopping malls such as Wisma Atria, ION Orchard, AMK Hub and Paya Lebar Square. Other areas such as Clarke Quay, Orchard Road and Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade are also popular.
Concerts & Art
Fantastically, Esplanade Theatres On The Bay offer free performances every evening at the Esplanade Concourse and every weekend and public holiday at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre!
If you love art then head to Gillman Barracks, a former British military camp that is now a hip destination for contemporary art. It’s totally free the enter the galleries and walk around. There are loads of cafes and restaurants and art shops to explore.
If you’re on the hunt for street art you’re gonna die when you visit Singapore’s first outside art gallery! Head to trendy Kampong Glam and the back alleys to find Gelam Gallery on Muscat Street. You’ll be able to enjoy graffiti paintings, murals and local artwork; and the best bit? It’s all completely free!
Other Freebies
For an open-air movie experience, head to the Moviemob website and check to see when their latest free screenings are. They show a variety of Hollywood blockbusters, classics and local films.
No matter where you are in the world, the sunrises and sunsets are always free. You might think the towering skyscrapers of Singapore’s skyline will obscure your view, but head over to Marina Barrage for the ultimate sunrise.
Although not free, if you do want to catch some live music during your time in Singapore, check out Timbre at the Arts House and Le Noir at Marina Sands; these are two great venues to catch live bands.
12. Purchase a combination ticket online
One of the best ways to explore the top sites of Singapore is to use a combination ticket. However, it’s important to make sure you can fit all the activities into your itinerary before you purchase as you might lose money.
The Singapore Go City all-inclusive pass lets you customise your itinerary. You can choose between more than 40 top attractions and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7-day passes!
This works really well if you want to do the more expensive attractions such as Big Bus Tours, Singapore River Cruise, Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay – Flower Dome & Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy and the AJ Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing and Skybridge.
✅ Find Out More: Go City All-Inclusive Pass With 40+ Attractions – Save up to 40%
13. Use the free wifi
A nice and quick way to save money while in Singapore is to use their free wifi. Singapore has a great free public Wi-Fi service that anyone can use. So make sure you’re not rinsing your credit and turn off your roaming before you land!
You’ll find wifi hotspots in malls, museums, MRT stations, public libraries and more. It’s really easy to use and all you have to do is download the Wireless@SGx App.
Failing that, most restaurants, cafes and bars will have their own wifi which you will easily be able to connect to.
How Much Will A 3-Day Trip To Singapore Cost?
How much does it cost to go to Singapore? It can be expensive but it can also be affordable, it totally depends on how you choose to spend your days.
For example, if you’re wanting to keep your trip to Singapore costs down then you’re not going to want to visit places like Sentosa Island, have cocktails at the Raffles Hotel or eat dinners in fancy restaurants. Doing all these things will increase your budget exponentially.
So, how much will your Singapore vacation cost? For the purpose of the post, I would estimate that a 3-day budget trip to Singapore should cost about S$275.
This is suggesting you utilise the free activities mentioned above while only including a few paid ones such as the Cloud & Flower Dome and OCBC Skywalk. This leaves you with a little extra in case something comes up.
- Accommodation: S$100
- Travel: S$35
- Food: S$80
- Snacks: S$20
- Activities: S$50
⭐ Related Post –>> If you’re heading to Singapore, then have a look at my 5-Days In Singapore: Itinerary For Budget Travellers. It covers awesome activities in Singapore and makes the most out of any Singapore budget trip.
Singapore travel cost per day
To put it into perspective, I’ve created this table to show some typical costs for visiting Singapore.
However, You can look to spend around S$90 for one day in Singapore.
| Activity in Singapore | Budget Singapore | Singapore on no budget |
| Travel from the airport to central Singapore | Use the MRT at S$2 | Taxi ride est. S$25-S$40 |
| Travel costs | MRT S$7 ( 3/4 rides a day) | MRT and Taxi est. $20 |
| Accommodation | S$20 – S$40 | est. S$160 to sky the limit |
| Cost of meals | Hawker Stalls S$5-S$10 per meal | Restaurants est. S$30 per meal |
| Price of drinks | Stick to Happy hours at S$11 – S$15 | Cocktails start from S$30 |
| Heritage Trails | Free to walk around | S$85 for a walking tour |
| Gardens by the Bay | Free to walk around gardens | S$8 Flower Dome and S$8 Cloud Forest |
Where To Stay In Singapore On A Budget
There are some great budget options for Singapore. There’s a huge range of choices from capsule pods – which are actually quite trendy and quirky – to cosy hostels and budget hotels.
Here are some budget options for your stay in Singapore,
⭐ I have used Hostel World to find this Budget Accommodation In Singapore for you as they offer great deals for the budget traveller!
Have you ever considered couch surfing? This is a great way to visit Singapore if you’re on a tight budget, especially if you’re backpacking!
What is couch surfing? Well, it’s where you can stay with a local for free. It’s great for saving money and you’ll also be connected to someone who can share insider knowledge.
Where To Eat In Singapore On A Budget
You’ll be spoiled for choice of places to eat in the city and luckily, it’s totally achievable to eat your way through Singapore!
The Hawker stalls are going to be your go-to foodie hubs and the food they sell is incredible. In fact, a number of hawker stands have been awarded a Michelin star!
Head to Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle Stall, for the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world at S$2.
With food fusions from neighbouring countries such as China, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand and even India there is so much to choose from!
There are some iconic dishes which have to be tried, such as the chicken and rice which is made by gently boiling to tenderise the chicken and a whole load of flavours, the chilli crab, fishhead curry, nasi lemak which is rice and condiments cooked in pandan leaf, Asian salads, fried noodles, dumplings and so much more.
Some good Hawker Stalls to visit
You can find Hawker stalls throughout the city but here are some well-known locations and some cheaper (but good) restaurants to try out:
⭐ If you fancy heading to some of Singapore’s hip and trendy neighbourhoods, why not visit Tiong Bahru, Holland Village, Kampong Glam or Dempsey Hill? You’ll find streets lined with cafes and a rather youthful vibe. There are lots of restaurants and foodie markets, independent shops, banging coffee spots and a great buzz.
Resources For Southeast Asia
Is it your first time visiting Southeast Asia? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. Below are some of our most popular articles:
- Somewhere we spent a lot of time is Indonesia. It’s very close to Singapore, and a combination of both countries works well.
- Indonesia’s famous island is Bali, but is it really worth visiting?
- Before we flew to Singapore, we spent some time in north Sumatra at Bukit Lawang and Lake Toba.
- After Singapore, we headed to Thailand. The Death Railway in Kanchanaburi has historical ties to Word War 2 in Singapore…
- Ayutthaya is another ancient city to visit in Thailand.
When Is The Best Time To Go?
Most tourists will flock to Singapore around Chinese New Year and between other holiday seasons. The Chinese New Year is towards the end of January while June and July are also popular.
May to June are the driest months with the most amount of sunshine, so it’s a good time to visit. However, the island has a tropical climate meaning it’s warm all year round with temperatures in the high 20s°C (80s°F).
Tropical climates mean monsoons and Singapore has two. These occur between December to March, with December usually being the wettest month. The second is between June to September.
The weather is humid, warm and cloudy however, this doesn’t stop tourists.
We visited in February (at the tail-end of the pandemic) and found the weather to be perfect. We only experienced rain on one day and it was sunny with a few clouds throughout the rest.
I’ve also read that towards the end of summer and into October it can be a more affordable time to visit as it’s low season. This means more deals are available for attractions and accommodation, so if you’re looking to keep to your Singapore budget this might be a good time.
Is Bali Cheaper Than Singapore?
Yes, Bali is much cheaper than Singapore and a great place to visit if you are travelling on a budget. The main reason for this is that the cost of living in Indonesia is low.
This means that things like labour, food and accommodation are a lot cheaper than they would be in Western Europe, (and Singapore) where the cost of living is high.
⭐ Related Post –>> Looking for a 5-day budget itinerary to Bali? It’s an easy and quick flight from Singapore to Bali and since it you’re travelling to Singapore on a budget, maybe you’re interested in how to visit Bali on a budget too!
The Do’s & Don’t When Visiting Singapore
Conclusion: Surviving Singapore On A Budget
You’ve made it this far. Wow, I’m impressed, that was a long read! Thanks :). Hopefully, surviving Singapore on a budget has been useful and helped you realise your dream of visiting this incredible country.
It’s certainly possible to visit Singapore on a lower budget, especially if you stick to the free activities. Be super careful you don’t get overwhelmed when you arrive as it’s easy to eat through that budget!
Other things which you might want to consider budgeting for in Singapore are guidebooks, a local sim (although probably not needed with all the free wifi) and travel insurance!
Explore & Discover More
Come and join our socials and keep up to date with the latest adventures. Find the latest travel photos and blog updates, ask questions and get travel inspiration.
✔️ FIND ON INSTAGRAM
✔️ JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
