Singaporeans have always looked to Malaysia as the go-to destination for affordable food, shopping, and short getaways. The proximity of Johor Bahru and the ease of crossing the Causeway make it a natural choice for weekend trips. A stronger Singapore dollar often makes the trip even more worthwhile, giving travellers more ringgit to spend.
But in 2025, the Malaysian ringgit began to strengthen against the Singapore dollar, and since November this year, has been trading at around 3.18 MYR to 1 SGD, compared to the 3.3 to 3.5 MYR rate we’ve enjoyed since 2024.
Source: Google Finance (screenshot taken on 3 December 2025)
This shift means Singaporeans now get fewer ringgit for every dollar. On paper, that makes Malaysia more expensive. Yet, despite the stronger currency, Malaysia will continue to attract Singaporeans in droves — and for good reason.
#1 The Difference Really Isn’t That Dramatic
Yes, many of us in Singapore will have gotten used to the past two years when the ringgit was much weaker. Everything across the Causeway suddenly felt even more affordable than before. Currency movements affect perceptions more than actual spending power.
But the truth is, even at an exchange rate of 3.18 MYR to 1 SGD, Singaporeans can still spend like royalty across the Causeway, enjoying meals, services, and shopping at bargain prices. We have been enjoying an exchange rate of 3 MYR to 1 SGD, and better, since at least 2019 after all.
Ultimately, when it comes down to the actual cost of things, the difference isn’t as significant. A plate of nasi lemak that costs 10 MYR would have cost you 2.87 SGD two years ago, 3.00 SGD last year, and only 3.14 SGD now, a difference of less than 30 cents in two years. In other words, Malaysia is still cheaper — just not as cheap as before.
Read Also: 4 Financial Mistakes To Avoid When You Are In Malaysia
#2 You Will Still Save On Most Things Compared To Singapore
Ultimately, the appeal of Malaysia goes beyond currency exchange. There are many reasons why Singaporeans have always enjoyed crossing the Causeway.
Whether we want to admit it or not, Malaysia’s food is unmatched in terms of variety and affordability. Even with reportedly higher food prices in Johor Bahru compared to other parts of Malaysia, eating across the Causeway will almost always be cheaper than staying at home.
For example, prices at popular fish head curry restaurant Kam Long Ah Zai have increased from 33 MYR for a medium pot in 2015 to 46 MYR today, but at today’s exchange rate, that’s 14.45 SGD, still cheaper than what you would be willing to pay for delicious food in Singapore.
Another popular must-try is Rotiboy at JB Sentral, where you can find the original butter-filled coffee bun at only 3.50 MYR (or just 1.10 SGD), compared to Rotiboy in Singapore which costs 2.50 SGD per bun.
| Cost in Singapore | Cost in Johor Bahru (Exchange Rate as of 3 Dec 2025) | Savings | |
| Casual eatery (per person) | 10 SGD | 25 MYR (7.86 SGD) | 21.4% |
| Seafood restaurant (per person) | 50 SGD | 100 MYR (31.43 SGD) | 37.1% |
| Petrol (per litre) | 2.88 SGD for RON95 | 3.26 MYR (1.02 SGD) for RON97 | 64.6% |
| Haircut | 15 SGD | 25 MYR (7.86 SGD) | 47.6% |
| Full-Body Massage (1 hour) | 80 SGD | 140 MYR (43.99 SGD) | 45.0% |
Even after accounting for the stronger ringgit, the savings are clear. Petrol alone is more than 60% cheaper, while services like haircuts and massages remain significantly cheaper.
Of course there’s groceries, and apparel, which we didn’t include in the table because it’s hard to do a proper comparison but are generally cheaper than Singapore. There’s also a reason why LEGOLAND remains a popular destination for families with young children.
For families, these differences add up quickly, making trips to Johor Bahru and the rest of Malaysia financially worthwhile, regardless of exchange rate.
Read Also: Shopping Across the Causeway: 15 Things You Can And Cannot Buy
#3 Save Even More When Spending With YouTrip
Launched in 2018, YouTrip is Singapore’s first multi-currency mobile wallet with a linked Mastercard that allows you to pay in over 150 currencies when you’re shopping online or travelling abroad without incurring currency conversion fees.
YouTrip rates are based on wholesale exchange rates, similar to what you would see on Google, and there are no foreign transaction fees or bank charges when you exchange instantaneously.
Don’t have a YouTrip account yet? Sign up for YouTrip and use our exclusive code DNS5 at registration and receive a S$5 welcome credit in your YouTrip account.
Read Also: 3 Popular Lifestyle Brands That Are Cheaper In Singapore Compared To Malaysia
