6 April 2025·5 min read
Singapore Daily Budget: How Much Does Singapore Cost Per Day? (2025)
Singapore costs SGD $70–100 ($52–74) per day on a budget, $200–350 mid-range, and $600+ for luxury. Here's how to make the most of every dollar.
Singapore is Southeast Asia's most expensive city — but it's dramatically cheaper than Tokyo, London, or New York for equivalent quality. Budget travellers who eat at hawker centres and use the MRT can manage SGD $70–100/day ($52–74 USD). Mid-range comfort costs SGD $200–350/day.
Singapore Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget (SGD $70–100 / $52–74/day)Hostel SGD $30–50, hawker centre meals SGD $4–8, MRT SGD $1.20–2.50/trip
Mid-range (SGD $200–350 / $148–260/day)3-star hotel SGD $120–200, restaurant meals SGD $20–45, some paid attractions
Luxury (SGD $600+ / $445+/day)Marina Bay Sands hotel SGD $400–800+, fine dining SGD $80–200pp, private experiences
Singapore's Best Budget Moves
- •**Hawker centres**: Char kway teow, laksa, chicken rice, roti prata — SGD $3.50–8 for a full meal. Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Old Airport Road Food Centre are the classics
- •**Free attractions**: Gardens by the Bay outdoor grounds (free); Supertree Grove (free to walk around); Marina Barrage park; Chinatown Heritage trail
- •**MRT**: EZ-Link card covers the entire island for SGD $1.20–2.50/trip — far cheaper than any taxi
- •**Free museums**: National Museum of Singapore (permanent gallery free); Asian Civilisations Museum (free Fri evening 7–9pm)
- •**Sentosa**: The island itself is free to access via bridge or MRT; major attractions (Universal Studios SGD $83, S.E.A. Aquarium SGD $43) are where costs add up
💡
Alcohol in Singapore is heavily taxed — a beer at a hawker centre costs SGD $8–12, and bar prices reach SGD $18–28 per drink. If you're a regular drinker, budget SGD $30–60 extra per day compared to most Southeast Asian destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore really more expensive than other Southeast Asian cities?
Yes — accommodation is 3–5× the price of Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur for equivalent quality. However, hawker centre food (SGD $4–8/meal) is genuinely cheap, public transport is world-class and affordable, and many of Singapore's best experiences (neighbourhood walks, hawker hopping, night safari watching) are free or low-cost.
How much does the Marina Bay Sands observation deck cost?
The SkyPark observation deck (open to non-guests) costs SGD $26 for adults. Alternatively, Ce La Vi rooftop bar (level 57) has no cover charge but requires a minimum spend of SGD $30 per person — and the view is identical. A cocktail plus the view is arguably better value than the pure observation deck.
Book a pre-arranged transfer in Singapore
Fixed price · no meter disputes · book in advance
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Go prepared — know the fair price before you land
Check real taxi fares and local tipping customs for Singapore — so you never overpay on your first ride or leave an awkward tip.