In this post, I will help you to find Where to stay in Singapore on a budget, best areas to stay in Singapore on a budget and best budget-friendly hotels in Singapore for all travelers.
Singapore is generally considered expensive due to high accommodation, dining, and transportation costs. While many first-timers choose to stay in popular areas of Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, Orchard Road, and Sentosa, it can be more expensive due to its prime location.
Luckily, Singapore has several neighborhoods that offer budget-friendly accommodation and dining options. Additionally, Singapore has an efficient and well-connected public transportation system that allows travelers to explore the city easily.
Where to stay in Singapore on a budget?
The best areas to stay in Singapore on a budget are Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India, Bugis, Geylang, and East Coast. These areas offer a range of budget-friendly accommodations, access to public transportation, and plenty of food options.
It’s always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before booking your accommodation to find the best option that suits your preferences and budget.
Map of best areas to stay in Singapore on a budget:
Overviews of best areas to stay in Singapore on a budget
Here is an overview of recommended areas in Singapore on a budget:
| Best areas in Singapore on a budget | Why should you stay in this area? |
|---|---|
| Chinatown | offers a mix of affordable accommodations, budget-friendly eateries, and vibrant street markets. It’s a great place to experience Singapore’s rich cultural heritage and enjoy affordable shopping. |
| Kampong Glam | Known as the Malay-Arab quarter, Kampong Glam offers a unique blend of cultural experiences. You’ll find budget-friendly hostels, local cafes, and interesting shops selling traditional crafts. The area is also near the Bugis shopping district. |
| Little India | vibrant neighborhood filled with bustling streets, aromatic food stalls, and budget-friendly guesthouses. Little India offers a unique cultural experience with its colorful temples, traditional shops, and affordable Indian cuisine. |
| Bugis | a bustling shopping district with a wide range of budget accommodations, from hostels to budget hotels. It’s known for Bugis Street Market, where visitors can find inexpensive clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. |
| Geylang | a residential area that offers affordable accommodations, mainly in the form of budget hotels and guesthouses. It’s known for its local food scene, with numerous inexpensive eateries and hawker centers serving delicious dishes. |
| East Coast | offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the city center. It features beautiful parks, scenic coastline, and a variety of budget accommodations, such as budget hotels and hostels. The area is ideal for outdoor activities and relaxation. |
6 Best areas to stay in Singapore on a budget are:
1. Chinatown
Chinatown offers a vibrant atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and a variety of affordable accommodations, making it a favorable choice for many visitors.
Chinatown has numerous budget-friendly hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to travelers seeking affordable options. These accommodations provide comfortable and clean rooms at relatively lower rates compared to other areas in Singapore.
Chinatown is renowned for its affordable and delicious local street food. You can find hawker centers and food stalls offering a wide range of inexpensive culinary delights, allowing you to sample authentic Singaporean cuisine without straining your budget.
Staying in Chinatown provides a unique cultural experience. The area is filled with beautifully preserved historical buildings, traditional shops, and vibrant markets where you can explore Chinese heritage, visit temples, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Some of the cheap and budget-friendly things to do and see in Chinatown are:
- Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. It is renowned for its intricate architecture and colorful decorations
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, which houses a sacred relic of Buddha, great place to learn about Buddhist culture and history.
- Thian Hock Keng Temple, a stunning architectural marvel.
- Chinatown Street Market (Pagoda Street), an array of stalls selling items like clothing, accessories, tea, herbs.
- Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complex Food Centre, popular choices for affordable and authentic local food.
- Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, lined with beautifully restored shophouses.
- Chinatown Heritage Centre, to delve deeper into the history and heritage of Chinatown.
- Singapore City Gallery, an overview of Singapore’s urban planning and development.
Chinatown is centrally located in Singapore, close to attractions like Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, and Sentosa Island. It has excellent transportation links, including MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) stations and bus services, which allow you to explore the rest of Singapore easily and affordably.
However, it’s worth noting that while Chinatown is generally considered budget-friendly, prices can still vary depending on the specific accommodation and amenities you choose. It’s a good idea to compare prices, read reviews, and book in advance to secure the best deals.
Best places to stay in Singapore in Chinatown on a budget:
Heritage Collection on Chinatown – A Digital Hotel, great 3-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Singapore on a budget, located amongst the bustling street area of Chinatown and South Bridge Road, just a 2-minute walk to Chinatown Heritage Centre and Sri Mariamman Temple and a 5-minute walk to Chinatown MRT Station.
The Bohemian, 2-star hostel, located in the bustling Chinatown in Singapore, within walking distance from Chinatown Heritage Centre, People’s Park Complex, and People’s Park Centre, as well as many malls and eateries.
Atelier, popular hostel, attractively located in the centre of Singapore, featuring a shared kitchen, a restaurant, and easy walk from Singapore City Gallery, Sri Mariamman Temple, Asian Civilisations Museum and Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles.
2. Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is a vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood located in the city center. It offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses. You can find reasonably priced accommodations that cater to different budgets.
The neighborhood is known for its diverse culinary scene, offering a wide variety of affordable dining options. From traditional Malay cuisine to Middle Eastern delicacies and trendy cafes, you’ll find numerous affordable eateries and hawker centers that offer delicious food at reasonable prices.
Historically, Kampong Glam was a Malay-Muslim enclave and served as the seat of power for the Malay royalty in Singapore. Today, it continues to be an important cultural and heritage district with a mix of traditional and contemporary elements.
Kampong Glam is home to several cultural attractions, such as the:
- Sultan Mosque, with its stunning architecture, is a must-visit landmark.
- Haji Lane, a vibrant street filled with boutiques, cafes, and street art.
- Malay Heritage Centre, showcases the history, culture, and contributions of the Malay community in Singapore.
- Kampong Glam Heritage Trail, home to Malay Heritage Centre, Gedung Kuning (Yellow Mansion), and the former Istana Kampong Glam.
- Bussorah Street, a pedestrian street lined with colorful shophouses.
Bugis Street, located adjacent to Kampong Glam, is one of Singapore’s largest street markets. Here, you can find affordable clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, making it a great place for budget shopping.
Kampong Glam is well-connected to other parts of Singapore via public transportation, making it convenient for budget travelers to explore the city without spending too much on transportation.
While Kampong Glam is a popular choice for budget travelers, it’s important to note that Singapore overall is a relatively expensive city compared to some other Southeast Asian destinations. However, Kampong Glam provides a good balance of affordability and a unique cultural experience.
Best places to stay in Singapore in Kampong Glam on a budget:
- Heritage Collection on Arab – A Digital Hotel, 3-star hotel, close to Bugis Street, Raffles City and St Andrew’s Cathedral.
- Hotel Jjh – Newly Opened Near Bugis, good Value for money accommodation, located right next to Arab Street, easy walk from Bugis Metrostop and shopping center.
3. Little India
Little India offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with a rich cultural heritage. It has numerous budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that offer affordable rates compared to other areas in Singapore. You can find a range of options to suit different budgets, from basic accommodations to more comfortable budget hotels.
Little India is known for its delicious and reasonably priced Indian cuisine. You can find numerous local eateries, food stalls, and restaurants that offer affordable meals. The area is especially famous for its diverse range of vegetarian and vegan options.
Little India is a great place to find budget shopping options. The streets are lined with shops selling textiles, jewelry, electronics, and traditional Indian goods. You can find great deals and haggle for better prices, especially in the busy Mustafa Centre, which operates 24/7.
Staying in Little India provides an immersive cultural experience. You can explore:
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
- Indian Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the history and culture of Singapore’s Indian community.
- Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping mall that sells a wide range of items.
- Tekka Centre, a bustling hawker center is a food lover’s paradise.
Serangoon Road, the main thoroughfare in Little India, is filled with a variety of shops selling Indian textiles, spices, jewelry, and traditional clothing like saris and kurta pajamas. Visitors can also find an array of Indian restaurants and eateries offering delicious Indian cuisine.
Little India is centrally located, just east of the Singapore River, making it easy to access other parts of Singapore. It is well-connected by public transportation, including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, which allows you to explore the rest of the city without spending too much on transportation.
Staying in Little India can help you save money on accommodation, food, and shopping while enjoying a vibrant cultural experience.
Best places to stay in Singapore in Little India on a budget:
4. Bugis
Bugis is a vibrant neighborhood located in the central part of Singapore and offers a variety of affordable accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to hostels and guesthouses.
One of the main advantages of staying in Bugis is its central location, which provides easy access to many popular tourist attractions, shopping malls, and dining options. Bugis Street, in particular, is a well-known shopping destination offering a wide range of affordable fashion items, accessories, and souvenirs.
Bugis is also well-connected in terms of public transportation. The Bugis MRT station is a major interchange, allowing you to conveniently travel to other parts of Singapore using the efficient and affordable Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.
Additionally, Bugis is surrounded by various cultural and historical sites such as the Sultan Mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre, and the National Museum of Singapore. These attractions offer insights into Singapore’s rich heritage and are often budget-friendly or even free to explore.
Overall, Bugis is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers due to its affordability, central location, and proximity to various amenities and attractions. It’s always recommended to compare prices and read reviews to find the best accommodations that suit your budget.
Best places to stay in Singapore in Bugis on a budget:
5. Geylang
Geylang is known as one of the more affordable areas to stay in Singapore, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, it’s important to note that Geylang is also famous for its red-light district, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Geylang offers a wide range of budget-friendly hotels, hostels, and guesthouses compared to other areas in Singapore.
Geylang is renowned for its vibrant food scene, with numerous hawker centers and local eateries offering inexpensive and delicious meals.
The area is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system, making it easy to explore other parts of Singapore.
If you’re comfortable with the atmosphere and understand the nature of Geylang, it can be a viable option for budget accommodation. Also consider other budget-friendly areas such as Little India, Chinatown, which also offer affordable hotels options while providing a different cultural experience.
CapsulePod@Aljunied is a good value for money accommodation in Geylang. With a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom.
6. East Coast
The East Coast is known for its laid-back atmosphere, recreational facilities, and affordable accommodation options.
The East Coast offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels, guesthouses, and budget hotels. These options often provide clean and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.
The East Coast is famous for its hawker centers, which are open-air food courts offering a wide variety of affordable local dishes. You can enjoy delicious and inexpensive meals at places like East Coast Lagoon Food Village or Old Airport Road Food Centre.
The East Coast Park is a popular recreational spot that stretches along the coastline. It offers a range of free or low-cost activities such as cycling, rollerblading, picnicking, and barbecuing. You can also relax on the beach or take a leisurely walk along the park’s promenade.
The East Coast is relatively close to Changi Airport, which is Singapore’s main international airport. If you’re arriving or departing from Singapore, staying on the East Coast can be convenient and cost-effective in terms of transportation.
The East Coast is well-connected to the rest of Singapore via public transportation, including buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system. This makes it easy to explore other parts of the city without spending a lot on transportation fares.
Best places to stay in Singapore in East Coast on a budget:
See more:
- Where to Stay in Singapore First Time Tourist
- Where to Stay in Singapore with Family
- 35 Best things to do in Singapore
- Where is Singapore located in the world?
- When is the Best Time to Visit Singapore?
Summary – Where is the Best place to stay in Singapore on a budget?
In conclusion, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India, Bugis, Geylang, and East Coast are some of the best places to stay in Singapore on a budget. These neighborhoods offer a range of budget-friendly accommodations for visitors to stay and explore the city.
Chinatown provides cultural immersion and delicious street food, while Kampong Glam showcases rich history and vibrant street art. Little India charms with its colorful markets, and Bugis offers a blend of shopping and entertainment. Geylang stands out for its affordable eats, and the East Coast offers a serene coastal escape.
No matter where you choose to stay, these budget-friendly areas provide a delightful Singaporean experience.