Singapore on a Budget: How to Spend Less Than $50 a Day
Singapore is often ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world. With its futuristic skyline, world-class attractions, and high cost of living, it’s easy to assume that visiting on a budget is nearly impossible. From luxury hotels and fine dining to high-priced entertainment, Singapore can quickly drain your wallet if you’re not careful. However, with some smart planning, it’s entirely possible to explore this vibrant city without spending a fortune.
As a budget backpacker, I had just come from traveling through Southeast Asia, where meals often cost just a couple of dollars, and hostels were incredibly cheap. Arriving in Singapore, I knew I had to be extra mindful of my spending to stick to my usual budget. My goal was simple: experience the best of Singapore without exceeding $50 a day. While it was a challenge, I quickly learned that with a few budget hacks—like eating at hawker centers, using public transport, and taking advantage of free attractions—it was completely doable.
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore and want to enjoy its famous sights, delicious food, and rich culture without breaking the bank, keep reading. In this guide, I’ll share how I managed to spend less than $50 a day and how you can too!
Budget Accommodation
Let’s start with the most expensive part of my days: accommodation. Since Singapore is known for its high hotel prices, I knew that staying in a hostel dorm was the best way to keep my budget low. After doing a lot of research and comparing different options, I found a hostel that was not only affordable but also centrally located: Code Hostel at Lavender.
This hostel was in a prime location, making it easy to reach many of the places I wanted to visit. I booked a bed in a mixed dorm for just $22 USD per night, which, considering Singapore’s prices, was a great deal. What made it even better was that my stay included free breakfast, unlimited water, coffee, and tea, as well as a towel for showering—all of which helped me save even more money. The dorm itself was clean, comfortable, and provided everything I needed for a few nights in the city.
Not only was this one of the cheapest hostels in the city center, but it also had friendly staff and great amenities, making it an excellent option for budget travelers. If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in Singapore without compromising on comfort, I’d highly recommend it!
Getting Around on a Budget
Singapore has one of the best public transportation systems I’ve ever experienced in all my travels. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system and buses make it incredibly easy to get anywhere in the city. With a simple tap-in, tap-out system using an EZ-Link card or contactless payment, navigating Singapore is both convenient and efficient. However, while public transport is relatively affordable compared to taxis or Grab rides, the costs can add up quickly if you’re constantly hopping on trains and buses throughout the day.
To keep my budget in check, I opted for a mix of walking and public transport. Singapore is a very walkable city, with plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets, scenic routes, and shaded pathways. I planned my days so that I could explore entire areas on foot before taking public transport to the next district. In my three days in Singapore, I only used public transport five times and spent a total of less than $15 USD. This allowed me to save money while also experiencing the city at a slower pace.
One thing I completely avoided was taking taxis or booking Grab rides—they are notoriously expensive, and Singapore’s traffic can make them even more costly. Instead, whenever I needed to cover a longer distance, I used the MRT or buses, which were not only cheaper but also faster since they avoid the city’s road congestion.
If you’re someone who prefers not to walk as much, I’d recommend getting a public transport pass. There are unlimited ride passes available for 1, 2, or 3 days, which can be a great deal if you plan to use the MRT and buses frequently. However, for me, this didn’t make sense since I knew I’d be walking most of the time and wouldn’t get enough value out of the pass.
Overall, my advice is simple: walk as much as possible, use public transport strategically, and try to skip taxis and Grab unless absolutely necessary. It’s the best way to keep your transportation costs low while still enjoying everything Singapore has to offer!
Eating in Singapore on a Budget
Food is one of the biggest factors that can make or break your daily budget in Singapore. If you’re not careful about where you eat, you could easily spend $50 or more per meal—but if you eat where the locals do, you can enjoy some of the best food in the world without overspending.
One of the things that makes Singapore’s food scene so special is its Michelin-rated street food. Unlike other countries where Michelin-starred restaurants are fine-dining establishments, Singapore is home to several Michelin-recognized food stalls, where you can enjoy high-quality, world-class dishes for just a few dollars. These stalls are found in the local hawker centers, which are essentially large food courts packed with vendors serving a wide variety of cuisines at very affordable prices. These centers offer some of the most delicious and authentic food in the country.
The experience at hawker centers is casual—you order your food, grab your tray, and find a seat, much like in a school cafeteria. But don’t let the simple setup fool you; the food is top-tier in both quality and taste. Best of all, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Depending on what you order, meals typically range from 2–10 SGD ($1.50–$7.50 USD). Personally, I spent around 6 SGD ($4.50 USD) per meal, which kept my total food budget under 20 SGD ($15 USD) per day, including the cost of coffee and snacks. My free breakfast at the hostel helped keep my costs even lower.
In contrast, if you eat at mid-range or upscale restaurants, your meals can easily cost 50 SGD ($37 USD) or more per dish. This is why hawker centers are the best option for budget travelers—not only are they affordable, but they also offer authentic, flavorful meals that locals themselves love.
So, if you want to enjoy Singapore’s incredible food scene without breaking the bank, stick to hawker centers. You’ll get to experience some of the best street food in the world while keeping your daily food expenses low!
Exploring Singapore for Free
One of the best things about visiting Singapore is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the city. While there are plenty of paid attractions—such as rooftop bars, theme parks, and high-end experiences—you can see and experience many of Singapore’s highlights completely free.
During my time in Singapore, I focused on exploring the city’s incredible sights and unique neighborhoods without spending money on entrance fees. One of the best free experiences I had was visiting CapitaSpring, a rooftop garden with a viewing platform on the 51st floor, offering stunning panoramic views of the city skyline—completely free of charge.
Another must-visit spot is Gardens by the Bay. While some attractions like the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome require an entrance fee, you can still explore large portions of the gardens for free. Strolling through the Supertree Grove and watching the light show at night is a magical experience that doesn’t cost a dime.
I also spent time wandering through Chinatown, where you can explore vibrant markets, historic streets, and cultural landmarks without spending anything (unless you want to grab a cheap souvenir or snack). Arab Street and Haji Lane were also fantastic areas to visit—filled with street art, boutique shops, and cozy cafés, perfect for window shopping and soaking in the atmosphere.
For a classic Singapore experience, I walked along Marina Bay Boulevard, taking in iconic waterfront views and watching the spectacular Marina Bay Sands light and water show at night, which is entirely free. Singapore is also full of parks and green spaces, such as Fort Canning Park and the Botanic Gardens, offering plenty of places to relax and enjoy nature without paying an entrance fee.
Even Singapore’s massive malls are worth a visit—not just for shopping but for the experience itself. Places like The Shops at Marina Bay Sands have impressive architecture and unique displays, making them super fun to explore, even if you’re not planning on buying anything.