Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Phnom Penh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Phnom Penh or Singapore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Phnom Penh and Singapore. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Singapore?
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.
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Phnom Penh Prices
Cambodia PricesSingapore Prices
Singapore Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhnom Penh $51Singapore $178
The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $51, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $178. 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 Phnom Penh and Singapore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhnom Penh $12Singapore $101
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhnom Penh $24Singapore $202
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Singapore
Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh 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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Singapore Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phnom Penh $7.90Singapore $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- PNH Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $7.00
- Techo Airport (KTI) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $16
- KTI Techo Airport Pickup or Transfer Private Car: $18
- Private Phnom Penh Airport Transfers to your hotel in town: $20
- Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $20
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $21
- Techo International Airport Transfer by Car or Minivan: $22
- Private Airport Transfer From/To Hotels: $24
- Phnom Penh Techo International Airport Transfer/Pick-up/Drop-off: $24
- Private Transfer: Phnom Penh's Hotel to Techo Airport(KTI): $27
- Private Transfer: Techo Airport (KTI) to Hotel in Phnom Penh: $27
- Techo International Airport Transfer to Phnom Penh Hotel: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:
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Taxi to Airport$25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:
- 7 Seater Airport / City Transfer Singapore: $75
- Airport Transfer: SIN Airport to Singapore by Luxury Car: $162
- Airport Transfer: Singapore to SIN Airport by Business Car: $104
- Airport Transfer: Singapore to SIN Airport by Luxury Van: $122
- Departure Transfer: Pick up from hotel to Airport or CruiseCentre: $79
- Hotel to Singapore Airport Private Transfer: $33
- Luxurious Airport/Cruise Transfers Singapore: $35
- MBCC & SCC - Cruise Terminal to City Hotel Transfer: $67
- Mandai Wildlife Reserve Singapore Combo with Transfer: $167
- Marina Bay Cruise Centre or SCC to Changi Airport Transfer: $67
- One-Way Transfer to Singapore Zoo or Night Safari: $57
- Private Attraction Transfers for Singapore: $31
Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Singapore?
Prices for flights to both Singapore and Phnom Penh 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
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Food Meals for one dayPhnom Penh $23Singapore $50
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset & Evening Dinner Cruise With One Way Free Pick Up: $9.90
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive 5 stops local Tastings: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
Typical Food Prices in Singapore
Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:
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Breakfast$4.71
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Sugarcane Juice$1.55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.
- 8-hr guided tour : Food Tour, 40-min River cruise & 2 light Shows: $52
- Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $53
- Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $54
- Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings (Self-Guided Hunt): $56
- Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker: $58
- Chinatown History and Food Tour in Singapore: $60
- Authentic Singapore Street Food Tour: $60
- Plant-Based Food Tour with Local Guide: $61
- Hawker Center Street Food Tour with Guide: $68
- Full day Tour: Food tour, 40-min Cruise & 2 top-visit Light shows: $70
- Flavours of Singapore Food Tour at Joo Chiat: $71
- Guided Street Food Tour at Night: $74
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phnom Penh $7.68Singapore $34
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited BBQ Buffet-Beers, Sodas & Fruit Platter**: $7.45
- Sunset Cruise on the Mekong with Kanika Boat: $8.00
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer & BBQ Buffet: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited Beers-Sodas-BBQ buffet-Fruit platter: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
- Phnom Penh Bus with Free Boat Cruise 1 Day Pass: $10
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket Free Mekong Cruise: $12
Tours and Activities in Singapore
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:
- Live Like a Local in Singapore (Half-day Tour): $1.58
- Singapore City Walking Tour: Heartbeat of the City: $3.17
- Chinatown Walking Tour: Struggles of our Forefathers: $3.17
- Singapore Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Science Center E-Ticket: $6.43
- Peranakan Museum Admission Ticket: $6.51
- Ticket to Singapore Changi Chapel and Museum: $6.52
- Singapore's Stories and Histories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Singapore GP Audio Tour: The World’s First Night Race Route: $6.99
- The Civic District with Singapore Boy Hossan Leong: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Singapore Kids Quest: Family Walking Adventure: $7.13
- Gardens by the Bay Bundle Entry Ticket: $7.75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhnom Penh $4.35Singapore $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:
- Little India Pub Crawl: $24
- Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $30
- 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: $192
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phnom Penh Expensive? and Is Singapore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Singapore?
Singapore has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Phnom Penh. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh 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.