While there are tons of things to see and do in Singapore, it still makes sense to budget ahead as much as possible and to enjoy the city-state within your means. The great news is that visiting and staying in Singapore doesn't have to break the bank — and we're here to help you work out how much you're likely to spend.
Whether you're counting the pennies to save up for a dream holiday in Singapore or just interested in knowing how far your money could go, this Singapore travel budget guide aims to give you a straight answer on what to expect from a USD perspective.
Singapore travel budget overview
When building this overview, we considered average USD rates for the key factors you'll need to account for regardless of the trip you take. If you don't mind skipping the luxury hotel or limiting paid attractions, you can still have a great time here on a budget.
Always factor in how many people are travelling and when you're going. Families may save on package deals, and travelling off-season saves further on accommodation and transport. Keep in mind that the figures in this guide are averaged and converted into USD at the time of publication — use them as a launching pad for developing your own budget.
Average cost of a trip to Singapore
We've based our research on averages for accommodation, food, transport, and attractions — drawing on our own experiences and current rates online. Here's a quick overview across budget, mid-range, and splurge tiers before we break each category down.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | From $19 (dorm) / $85 (budget hotel) | $85–$150 | $220+ |
| Food (per meal) | Under $10 (hawker centers) | $20–$50 | $100+ (restaurants) |
| Transport | $17 (1-day Tourist Pass) | $45 (5-day Tourist Pass) | $60 (Changi Bundle, 5 days) |
| Attractions | $70–$75 (Smart Pass) | $75–$150 | $220+ (full Smart Pass) |
Accommodation prices in Singapore
The price you pay for accommodation in Singapore depends on the type, and often on how many people you are travelling with. Budget travellers may be able to find a dorm room from as little as $19 a night, or a budget hotel room from around $85. More luxurious stays command $220 and upwards, and these rates will increase if you're taking children — always look into package deals with holiday operators if you're travelling as a family.
Food costs in Singapore
Going high-end on food will bend your budget considerably. For budget-conscious travellers, hawker centers are where you should be spending most of your meal times — authentic Singaporean cuisine from vendors for less than $10 a meal. Groceries are also fairly modest in price.
Restaurants are where cost spikes occur. Eating out at an authentic restaurant somewhere like Sentosa Island with the whole family may cost over $100 per person, depending on the venue and the meals.
[tip title="Tipping is not mandatory in Singapore"]One relief for US travellers in particular: tipping is welcome but not expected in Singapore. Many restaurants will add a service charge automatically, but you are not expected to add any additional amount on top unless you want to.[/tip]Transport costs in Singapore
Singapore is relatively small but it's still worth factoring in transportation costs. Public transport is refreshingly affordable and straightforward — even on a strict budget, you won't need to restrict yourself from seeing the best of the city because of money.
[tip title="Get the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides"]If you expect to travel on public transport regularly, the Singapore Tourist Pass gives unlimited rides for as little as $17 for one day and $45 for five days. If you'd like to add insurance and concierge credit, the Changi Recommends Bundle is available for up to $60 for five days. Only buy the pass if you're planning to take multiple journeys — a couple of rides won't justify the cost.[/tip]Attractions and activity prices
Attraction prices vary throughout the year depending on season, but like transport, there are ways to save with passes.
[tip title="Smart passes cover the biggest attractions"]Smart passes allow you to visit some of Singapore's biggest attractions — including Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, and Madam Tussauds — from around $70–$75, with fuller coverage from around $220. Always check rates online before you travel, as exchange rates will affect the final price.[/tip]Tips to save money in Singapore
If you're serious about making your trip as affordable as possible, here's a quick rundown of additional ways to reduce your daily costs.
[tip title="Use our apps guide to cut travel costs"]Our Singapore apps guide covers travel apps that make getting around the city-state as cheap and accessible as possible — from ride-hailing to public transit planning.[/tip] [tip title="Drink from the tap — not a bottle"]Tap water is safe to drink throughout Singapore. Take full advantage when you dine out and carry a reusable bottle to avoid spending money on bottled water during your stay.[/tip] [tip title="Travel in spring or autumn for the best prices"]Avoid Singapore around the middle of the year when summer holiday crowds drive up accommodation and flight prices. Aim for spring or autumn breaks if you can — you'll typically save money on both travel and accommodation.[/tip]Singapore travel planning tips
Alongside planning your budget, it's worth planning your journey and stay as far ahead as you can. Here are some final tips to keep in mind before you go anywhere.
[tip title="Check your plug type before you pack"]Make sure your devices use the right plug type for Singapore. Consult our Singapore plug type guide before you travel. Good news if you're from the UK — Singapore shares the same plug type and you won't need an adapter.[/tip] [warning]Littering is a punishable offence in Singapore and carries significant fines. Always carry your rubbish with you or use a bin — do not leave anything in public areas, parks, or at hawker centers. Bring bags with you so you can clean up after yourself as you go.[/warning] [esim flag="🇸🇬" label="Singapore" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£10" href="/products/singapore" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Save on roaming costs with a SIMOVO Singapore eSIM[/esim] [faq] [q]How much does a trip to Singapore cost?[/q] [a]A budget trip to Singapore can be done for around $50–$80 per person per day, using dorm accommodation ($19–$85 a night), eating at hawker centers (under $10 a meal), and using the Singapore Tourist Pass for transport. A mid-range trip typically costs $150–$250 per day. Luxury travel with high-end hotels and restaurants can easily exceed $400 per day.[/a] [q]Is Singapore expensive?[/q] [a]Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, but this is mainly true for luxury accommodation and restaurants. Budget travellers who use hawker centers for food, public transport, and budget hotels or dorms can visit Singapore very comfortably without overspending. The city also has a significant number of free or low-cost attractions.[/a] [q]What is the Singapore Tourist Pass?[/q] [a]The Singapore Tourist Pass is a prepaid travel card that gives unlimited rides on public transport — MRT, buses, and LRT — within the terms and conditions of the pass. It costs $17 for one day and $45 for five days. It also comes in a Changi Recommends Bundle with added insurance and concierge credit for around $60 for five days. It is only worth buying if you plan to use public transport multiple times per day.[/a] [q]What is a Smart Pass in Singapore?[/q] [a]A Smart Pass (from Go City) is a sightseeing card that gives access to multiple major attractions in Singapore — including Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, and Madam Tussauds — at a bundled price. Entry-level passes start from around $70–$75 and full coverage runs to around $220. Prices vary based on exchange rates and the attractions included.[/a] [q]Is tipping expected in Singapore?[/q] [a]No — tipping is not mandatory in Singapore. Many restaurants automatically add a service charge (typically 10%) to the bill, but no additional tip on top is expected. This is a welcome difference from North American tipping culture and means the price you see on the menu is much closer to what you actually pay.[/a] [q]How can I save money in Singapore?[/q] [a]The biggest savings come from eating at hawker centers rather than restaurants, drinking tap water instead of bottled water, using the Singapore Tourist Pass for public transport, visiting attractions with a Smart Pass, travelling in spring or autumn rather than peak summer, and downloading a SIMOVO Singapore eSIM to avoid roaming charges.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇸🇬" label="Singapore" data="10GB · 30 days" price="£10" href="/products/singapore" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Save on roaming costs with a SIMOVO Singapore eSIM[/esim]
