A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phnom Penh vs. Singapore for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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 Cultural Tours in Singapore, and The Best Budget Tours to Singapore.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Phnom Penh?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $40, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $152. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Singapore $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Singapore $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.

Hotels in Phnom Penh


Hotels in Singapore


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.71
    Singapore $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
  • Phnom Penh Airport Transfers: $15
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh APT-HTL (PNH): $16
  • Private Transfer: Phnom Penh Airport(PNH) to Hotel in Phnom Penh: $18
  • Private Transfer: Phnom Penh's Hotel to Phnom Penh Airport: $18
  • Phnom Penh Airport Transfers: $19
  • Phnom Penh International Airport Transfer (PNH): $23
  • Private Airport Transfer From/To Hotels: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer: $24
  • Phnom Penh Airport (PNH) Pickup/Transfer Private Car: $25
  • Phnom Penh Airport or Hotel Private Transfer: $25
  • Phnom Penh Airport Pickup/Transfer: $25

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:

  • Airport Transfer: $81
  • Amazing City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $37
  • City Experience with National Orchid Garden + Roundtrip Transfers: $57
  • Downtown to Singapore Airport (SIN) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • ExhilaratingSentosa MorningTour(Guided Shared Roundtrip Transfer): $151
  • Garden by the Bay with two domes (Shared transfer): $61
  • Gardens By the Bay with One Way Transfer (2 Domes): $48
  • Glittering Singapore Night Out + Roundtrip Transfers: $80
  • HarbourFront Centre Singapore Transfer: $34
  • Luxurious Private Airport/Cruise Transfer Singapore: $25
  • Morning at the Zoo with Transfer : $66
  • Night Safari Tour with Transfer: $80

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Phnom Penh $13
    Singapore $28
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $9.96
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.74

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: $30
  • Hinterlands Local Village Cooking Class: $30
  • Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
  • Evening Food Tour with Drinks & Tuk Tuk Included: $36
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Khmer Cooking Class Full Day: $46
  • Phnom Penh Nightlife Street Food Tours : $59
  • Phnom Penh's experience: cooking class and stay over : $60
  • Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
  • Temples, Silk Island and Cooking Class Tour: $65

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $4.51
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

  • 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 Snap Katong Walking Food Tour: $72
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $72
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $73
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $75
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $82
  • Hands-on Cooking Class with Cultural Immersion: $82
  • Experience Cultural Cooking Class: $84
  • Local Food Tour: $84
  • Katong Walking Food Tour: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.50
    Singapore $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 on the Mekong River: $9.00
  • NEW Sunset Cruise! "Your cruise You Choose" - 3 Wonderful options: $12
  • Sunset Cruise - Three Packages to Choose From!: $12
  • Phnom Penh Killing Field Toul Sleng Prison Tour: $15
  • Killing Fields and Prison S21 Bus Tour: $15
  • Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $15
  • The killing field and Toul Sleng Genocide museum (S21) Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

  • Singapore Imaginary Experience: $3.26
  • The Civic District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Singapore's Malay Culture: $5.20
  • Singapore's History of Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Big Little India: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $5.38
  • Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $5.95
  • Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Entry Ticket: $5.95
  • Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Admission Ticket: $6.10
  • Singapore's Stories and Histories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Singapore Street Art Hunting in Kampong Glam: Self-Guided Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.24
    Singapore $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:

  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $15
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $21
  • Little India Pub Crawl : $23
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Singapore Pub Crawl: $27
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket: $39
  • Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $57
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $74


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.