Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Johor Bahru?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Johor Bahru or Singapore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Johor Bahru 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: Johor Bahru or Singapore?
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.
-
Johor Bahru Prices
Malaysia PricesSingapore Prices
Singapore Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJohor Bahru $64Singapore $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Johor Bahru is $64, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $179. 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 Johor Bahru and Singapore in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJohor Bahru $40Singapore $101
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJohor Bahru $80Singapore $202
Compare Hotels in Johor Bahru and Singapore
Looking for a hotel in Johor Bahru 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: Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Johor Bahru $13Singapore $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Van Transfer: $38
- Private Transfer from Johor Bahru City Center to Singapore Hotels: $99
- ~Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore MPV Transfer: $99
- Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $103
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $103
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $104
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Universal Studios Singapore + Roundtrip Transfers: $119
- Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $125
- Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL): $131
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:
-
Taxi to Airport$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:
- Attractions Shared Transfers from Hotel: $12
- Changi Airport (SIN) Private One-Way Transfer: $23
- Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer to Singapore/Johor Bahru: $24
- Private Transfer: Singapore to Sentosa Island: $26
- Private Airport Transfer in Singapore: $29
- Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $30
- Singapore Changi Airport: Singapore Private Airport Transfer: $30
- Marina Bay Cruise Centre or SCC to Changi Airport Transfer: $30
- City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $31
- Private Attraction Transfers for Singapore: $31
- Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Singapore - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
- Singapore Airport: Shared Arrival or Departure Car Transfer : $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Johor Bahru or Singapore?
Prices for flights to both Singapore and Johor Bahru 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 dayJohor Bahru $16Singapore $50
Typical Food Prices in Singapore
Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:
-
Breakfast$4.75
-
Sugarcane Juice$1.56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.
- Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $49
- Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $54
- Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $55
- Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker: $58
- Authentic Singapore Street Food Tour: $60
- Plant-Based Food Tour with Local Guide: $61
- Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $68
- Hawker Center Street Food Tour with Guide: $69
- Guided Street Food Tour at Night: $70
- Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $70
- Hawker Culture Food Tour and Sightseeing: $75
- Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $76
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Johor Bahru $7.81Singapore $34
Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.32
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
- Malaysia: Johor Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Entry Ticket: $18
- Singapore Sentosa: Trick Eye 3D Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $21
- Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
- Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Admission Ticket: $22
- Legoland Malaysia Ticket: $23
- Legoland Malaysia Theme Park E-Tickets: $23
Tours and Activities in Singapore
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:
- Artoholic A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
- Follow the Money: A self-guided audio tour of Singapore's Financial District: $5.00
- Peranakan Museum Admission Ticket: $6.54
- The Civic District with Singapore Boy Hossan Leong: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Science Center E-Ticket: $7.47
- Gardens by the Bay Bundle Entry Ticket: $7.78
- Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $7.78
- Outdoor Audio Tour at Gardens by the Bay: $8.27
- BikingSG Best of Take in the sights on a relaxed audio cycling tour: $8.31
- Singapore Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
- National Orchid Garden Entry Tickets: $8.40
- Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $8.51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayJohor Bahru $5.09Singapore $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:
- Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $30
- Singapore Pub Crawl: $36
- Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $39
- Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket: $41
- LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $77
- LeVeL33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge Package: $193
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Johor Bahru and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Johor Bahru Expensive? and Is Singapore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Johor Bahru or Singapore?
Singapore has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Johor Bahru. When comparing the sizes of Johor Bahru 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.