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Is Singapore expensive for Brits?

According to 2022 data, the cost of living in Singapore is around 39.1% higher than in the United Kingdom.



In 2026, Singapore remains a high-cost destination, but for British travelers, the "sticker shock" is often mitigated by the fact that prices are comparable to central London. While Singapore frequently tops lists of the world's most expensive cities, particularly for residents (due to the astronomical cost of car ownership and alcohol taxes), tourists can find value. A pint of beer in a "Clarke Quay" bar might cost £12–£15, which feels expensive even by London standards, yet a world-class meal at a "Hawker Centre" like Maxwell or Newton can be enjoyed for as little as £4–£6. Luxury hotels in the Marina Bay area are on par with 5-star London properties, ranging from £300 to £600+ per night. Ultimately, for a Brit, Singapore is expensive for luxury indulgences and housing, but public transport (the MRT) and local food are significantly cheaper than in the UK, making a 2026 visit manageable with strategic spending.

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A meal at fast food joints such as McDonalds will cost you around S$7, while a drink at Starbucks is around S$6 – S$7. A visit to to an average restaurant can set you back by S$20 – S$40 per person for basic meals.

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High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from United States is April.

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It certainly is possible to live in Singapore on just $1,000 a month, though it does come with a few obvious sacrifices, such as: Living as minimally as possible, with close to no frills in the budget; Being willing to do things that others won't (a good example of this is dumpster diving.

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Currency. The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and taxis in Singapore.

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Cheap Eats in Singapore: Hawker Centers Singapore's hole-in-the-wall joints and hawker centers serve up some of the tastiest and most wallet-friendly dishes in town. There are over 100 centers spread across the city, meaning you're never far from your next $5 laksa or chili crab.

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This is partly due to the fact that Singapore is a small island nation with limited agricultural land, which means that a lot of food needs to be imported. As a result, the cost of food and drink in Singapore is much higher than in most other cities.

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