Which place is cheaper, Singapore or El Nido?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit El Nido or Singapore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit El Nido or Singapore? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: El Nido or Singapore?
El Nido
El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.
Singapore
Singapore is a city-state that was originally founded in 1819 as a British trading colony. Today it is a very international country that is incredibly modern and cosmopolitan. There is a strong financial industry in this country, and a correspondingly strong work ethic. It is one of the most prosperous cities in the world, and has one of the world's busiest ports.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEl Nido $39Singapore $151
The average daily cost (per person) in El Nido is $39, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $151. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for El Nido and Singapore in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEl Nido $14Singapore $98
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEl Nido $28Singapore $196
Compare Hotels in El Nido and Singapore
Looking for a hotel in El Nido or Singapore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: El Nido Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.El Nido $19Singapore $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido
Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $11
- Private Transfer From El Nido Lio Airport To El Nido Hotels: $20
- Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $36
- El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
- Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:
-
Taxi to Airport$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:
- Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket with Transfer: $175
- Starry Night Singapore Tour + Roundtrip Transfers: $92
- Universal Studios 1-Day Pass with 1-Way Transfer: $95
- Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $168
- Night Safari Ticket, Tram Ride, & Return Transfer: $103
- Marina Bay Sands & Gardens By The Bay & Transfer: $143
- Half-Day City Tour with Hotel Transfer: $35
- City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $59
- City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $60
- Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $55
- Airport/Seaport Arrival Transfer + Meet & Greet: $72
- Airport/Seaport Arrival Transfer + Meet & Greet: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into El Nido or Singapore?
Prices for flights to both Singapore and El Nido change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayEl Nido $12Singapore $27
Typical Food Prices in Singapore
Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:
-
Breakfast$4.48
-
Sugarcane Juice$1.47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.
- Singapore : Traditional Snacks Cooking Class: $34
- Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $46
- Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
- Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $65
- Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $65
- Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $72
- Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $72
- Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $74
- Katong Food Tour of Singapore with Local Foodie: $75
- Singapore Bike and Bites Food Tour: $75
- Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $75
- Local Food Tour: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.El Nido $5.38Singapore $32
Tours and Activities in El Nido
For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Island Hopping Tour A with lunch BEST PRICE!: $22
- Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches: $23
- Shared El Nido Tour A: $23
- Big Lagoon and Shimizu Island Tour with Kayaking: $23
- Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D: $23
- Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More: $25
- El Nido Tour A: $27
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: $27
- El Nido Tour D Full Day w/ Beach Lunch: $28
- El Nido Island Tour B w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $28
- Island Hopping Tour C (Shared tour) BEST PRICE!: $28
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine: $29
Tours and Activities in Singapore
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:
- SG Adventure Pass with Dukw Tour: $122
- *16 Hrs Tailored Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $158
- *19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur&Melaka Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $182
- 1 Hour Admission Ticket for Singapore Cable Car: $26
- 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
- 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $149
- 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $241
- 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $68
- 3-Hour Private Bike Tour Singapore: $199
- 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver: $233
- A Private Arts Heritage Experience with Dining at Little India: $128
- Airzone Admission Ticket: $22
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEl Nido $8.36Singapore $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:
- Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $21
- Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $25
- Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
- Little India Pub Crawl: $26
- Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
- Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between El Nido and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is El Nido much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Nido would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Nido and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Singapore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Singapore than you might in El Nido.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is El Nido Expensive? and Is Singapore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, El Nido or Singapore?
Singapore has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of El Nido. When comparing the sizes of El Nido and Singapore, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.