Top 10 Cheapest Areas to Stay in Singapore

When people think of Singapore, the first word that comes to mind is usually “expensive” And yes, it’s true — Singapore can easily drain your wallet if you stick only to the luxury hotels around Marina Bay or Orchard Road. But here’s the thing: if you know where to look, you’ll find neighborhoods that are surprisingly affordable while still giving you easy access to the best the city has to offer.

I’ve stayed in different parts of Singapore during my travels, and I’ve spoken to both locals and fellow travelers who are always hunting for value. This list pulls from those experiences, making it your go-to guide for finding budget-friendly areas that don’t compromise on convenience.

1. Geylang

Geylang is one of those places in Singapore that people talk about, sometimes with mixed opinions, but if you’re trying to stretch your travel budget, it really delivers. Accommodation here is much more affordable compared to downtown. You’ll find hostels and simple hotels that run you around S$25 to S$60 per night for budget options, and private rooms or small serviced apartments from around S$80 to S$120, depending on how close you are to MRTs or food areas.

The food is amazing and alive at night. I remember arriving late and still finding stalls that felt like hidden gems, full of bold local flavours and buzzing energy. If you enjoy eating out late, chatting with locals, and seeing Singapore beyond the postcard, Geylang gives you all that without blowing your budget.

2. Little India

Little India is one of my personal favorites in Singapore. The moment you step in, you feel the energy of the place. The streets are colorful, filled with shops selling everything from spices to textiles, and the smell of curries and fresh prata pulls you in at every corner. It has a raw, lively vibe that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of something exciting, no matter what time of day it is.

For budget travelers, this area is a dream. Hostels and capsule hotels start from around S$25 to S$40 per night, making it one of the most affordable places to stay in Singapore. If you want a private budget room, you can usually find something between S$70 to S$110 per night depending on the season and how close you are to the MRT.

I’ve stayed in Little India before, and one of the things I loved was how easy it was to find cheap meals. You can grab a full plate of biryani or dosa for just a few dollars at Tekka Centre or one of the small eateries tucked away in the lanes. If you’re a backpacker or simply someone who wants to see the real, unpolished side of Singapore, Little India is where you’ll feel right at home.

3. Lavender

Lavender might not get as much attention as places like Chinatown or Little India, but it quietly holds its own when it comes to budget accommodation. The area is close to the city center and well connected by the MRT, which makes it a convenient base for exploring Singapore without paying downtown prices.

I have not stayed in Lavender myself, but I know many travelers who recommend it because it strikes a nice balance between affordability and accessibility. Budget hotels here usually range from around S$60 to S$90 per night, while simple hostels or dorm-style stays can be found from about S$30 to S$45 per night. For a private room that still feels budget friendly, you can expect to pay between S$100 to S$140 depending on the property and season.

Another reason people like Lavender is the food. There are hawker centers nearby where you can fill up on local dishes for just a few dollars, which makes it easy to keep your daily costs low. If you’re looking for a quieter spot that is still central enough to get around quickly, Lavender could be a smart pick.

4. Chinatown

Chinatown is one of those places that every visitor to Singapore ends up exploring at some point, and for good reason. It is vibrant, full of heritage, and one of the best spots in the city for food that will not drain your wallet. You can wander down the narrow lanes, stop at a hawker stall for chicken rice, and then step into a temple or heritage center all in the same afternoon.

I have stayed in Chinatown several times, both in hostels and in budget hotels, and what always stands out to me is the convenience. The hostels are lively and social, with dorm beds starting around S$50 per night, while the budget hotels usually range from S$60 to S$100 per night. When I wanted something a little more comfortable, I tried boutique-style hotels in the area, which usually cost between S$120 and S$150 per night.

What I love about Chinatown is how much there is to do right on your doorstep. You can head down to Maxwell Food Centre for affordable hawker meals, browse the street markets for souvenirs, or grab a drink at a rooftop bar. These are all within walking distances. And with excellent MRT connections, I never felt far from anywhere else in Singapore.

5. Bugis

Bugis is a fun mix of old and new. On one hand, you have Bugis Street Market with its maze of shops, cheap clothes, and endless food stalls. On the other hand, there are modern malls, trendy cafés, and nightlife spots that keep the area buzzing long after dark. It is the kind of place where you can shop for a five-dollar souvenir in the afternoon and then step into a sleek rooftop bar at night.

Accommodation here is pretty friendly for budget travelers. Hostels and capsule hotels usually start from around S$32 to S$50 per night, while budget hotels go for S$65 to S$110 per night. If you want a more stylish boutique hotel but still want to avoid downtown prices, you can expect something between S$120 and S$150.

What I enjoy about Bugis is how central it feels. You are close to attractions like Kampong Glam and Marina Bay, and the MRT makes it easy to get anywhere else in the city. I also like that you can find both budget eats in hawker centers and more upscale dining in the same neighborhood. For travelers who want variety without spending too much, Bugis delivers.

6. Balestier

Balestier does not get as much attention as neighborhoods like Chinatown or Little India, but that is part of its charm. It is quieter, less crowded with tourists, and has a more local feel. The streets here are lined with old shophouses, hardware stores, and plenty of food spots that the locals swear by. If you are into exploring places that feel more authentic and off the usual tourist trail, Balestier is worth considering.

The good news is that accommodation here tends to be cheaper than in the busier parts of Singapore. Budget hotels usually start from around S$60 to S$90 per night, while slightly nicer options can go for S$100 to S$130. You won’t find as many hostels in Balestier compared to Little India or Bugis, but if you are someone who prefers a private room at a reasonable price, this area is a good fit.

7. Kampong Glam (Arab Street)

Kampong Glam, often called Arab Street, is one of the most colorful and stylish neighborhoods in Singapore. Walking through it, you are greeted by vibrant street art, trendy cafés, and boutique shops tucked between traditional carpet stores and perfume stalls. The centerpiece is the majestic Sultan Mosque, which gives the area a cultural depth that blends beautifully with the modern vibe.

For accommodation, this area offers plenty of budget-friendly options. The least you should expect to pay for a bed in a hostel or capsule pod is around S$45 to S$50 per night, while boutique stays hover between S$80 and S$130. If you are looking for something unique and slightly more stylish without paying downtown prices, Kampong Glam is a great choice.

What I love about this neighborhood is the atmosphere. It feels both traditional and modern at the same time. You can enjoy Middle Eastern food, try Turkish ice cream, or sip coffee in a hipster café, all within the same street. At night, Haji Lane comes alive with music and nightlife, making it one of the coolest spots in Singapore to hang out.

8. Serangoon

Serangoon is one of those areas that gives you a nice balance between affordability and comfort. It is not in the thick of Singapore’s tourist districts, but that’s part of the charm. The area feels more like a real neighborhood, with a slower pace compared to downtown, yet you’re still well connected to the city through the MRT.

What makes Serangoon appealing is the value for money. You can find rooms here starting from around S$74 per night, with mid-range options closer to S$95, and even slightly higher-end stays averaging S$106 per night. That price range is hard to beat if you compare it with more central areas like Orchard or Marina Bay, where the same comfort would cost you at least double.

If you’re looking for a quieter local vibe while keeping your accommodation budget in check, Serangoon is a strong choice. You still get clean, reliable places to stay with essentials like WiFi, and the savings give you more to spend on food, shopping, and experiences around the city.

9. Aljunied

Aljunied, which falls under the larger Geylang planning area, is one of those places that surprises travelers who decide to give it a chance. I’ve stayed here before, and what stood out most was how budget-friendly it was compared to many other parts of Singapore. I found a capsule-style room for about US$51 a night, and while it was compact, it had everything I needed. There was comfortable bedding, clean facilities, and easy access to the MRT.

The location itself is lively, with streets that feel more local than touristy. Late-night food stalls keep the area buzzing, and you’re never too far from affordable eateries that serve hearty Singaporean meals. What I liked most about Aljunied was how easy it was to balance affordability with convenience. Staying here didn’t feel like I was compromising, and I was still well-connected to the rest of the city.

10. Kallang

Kallang is one of the most convenient areas I’ve stayed in Singapore. The neighborhood is right by the Singapore Sports Hub, and the MRT connects you easily to the rest of the city. What I liked most was the variety of budget options. On one trip, I stayed in a modern capsule pod that felt futuristic with its glowing lights and compact but comfortable space. It cost me around SGD 26 a night, which is honestly one of the best deals I’ve ever found in Singapore.

On another visit, I tried a more traditional budget hotel in the same area, and that came to about SGD 64 per night. Both experiences showed me how Kallang balances affordability with convenience, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to be too far from the action.