Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Phnom Penh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhnom Penh $41Singapore $151
The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $41, 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 Phnom Penh and Singapore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhnom Penh $12Singapore $98
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhnom Penh $24Singapore $196
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phnom Penh $7.87Singapore $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Private Phnom Penh Airport Transfers to your hotel in town: $10
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh APT-HTL (PNH): $16
- Private Transfer: Phnom Penh's Hotel to Phnom Penh Airport: $18
- Phnom Penh Airport Transfers: $19
- Phnom Penh Airport Private Taxi Transfer - Hotels: $21
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): $22
- Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $23
- Phnom Penh International Airport Transfer (PNH): $23
- Phnom Penh Airport Pickup/Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer to International Airport: $25
- Private Transfer From Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to Hotel : $25
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$24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:
- Changi International Airport Private MPV Transfer: $149
- City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $36
- City Experience with National Orchid Garden + Roundtrip Transfers: $60
- Downtown to Singapore Airport (SIN) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
- Free Wifi Rental | Two - Way Airport Transfer Minivan (4pax): $185
- Garden by the Bay with two domes (Shared transfer): $60
- Glittering Singapore Night Out + Roundtrip Transfers: $75
- HarbourFront Centre Singapore Transfer: $34
- MBCC & HFCC - Cruise Terminal to City Hotel Transfer: $29
- Morning at the Zoo with Transfer : $65
- Night Safari Tour with Transfer: $108
- Private Airport Transfer in Singapore: $25
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 $13Singapore $27
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$4.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
- 4-hours cooking with us in the Hinterlands of Phnom Penh: $23
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
- Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
- Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
- Evening Food Tour By Tuk-Tuk in Phnom Penh: $59
- Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
- Phnom Penh Authentic Evening Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
- Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
Typical Food Prices in Singapore
Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:
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Breakfast$4.48
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phnom Penh $7.65Singapore $32
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Riverside Walking Tour: $6.00
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Riverside Walking Tour : $6.00
- One Hour City Light Cruise-Foods & Drinks available for purchase: $8.00
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Private Phnom Penh Day Tour : Explore All Highlights Sites: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise - Your Cruise, You Choose, 3 wonderful Options: $12
- Sunset Cruise in Phnom Penh - One and a Half Hours: $12
- From Killing Fields and Prison S21 Tour: $15
- The killing field and Toul Sleng Genocide museum (S21) Tour: $15
- Silk Island Tuk Tuk Tour : $15
- Sunset Cruise with unlimited beer & soft drinks -English speaking guide on board: $16
- Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $16
Tours and Activities in Singapore
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:
- The Civic District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Big Little India: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- The Civic District: Hear stories about Singapore's past on an audio tour: $5.20
- Singapore Street Art Hunting in Kampong Glam: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Singapore's History of Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Singapore's Malay Culture: $5.20
- Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $5.32
- Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Entry Ticket: $5.88
- Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $5.88
- Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Admission Ticket: $6.03
- Science Center E-Ticket: $7.05
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhnom Penh $4.33Singapore $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10
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 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.