11 budget malls in Singapore where prices are a steal

As the name tells you, budget malls in Singapore are local malls where you can buy the same or similar items as a franchise-owned mall, but at a lower price. Budget malls are your best bet for great deals on everything from food to fashion to electronics.

Budget malls also have sales or discounts and customers can even try their hand at bargaining.

best budget mall in singapore - sale signs
best budget mall in singapore - sale signs

Check out these 11 budget malls in Singapore that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

1. Bugis Street

budget mall in singapore - bugis street
Credit – CapitaLand

Popular with locals and tourists, Bugis Street sells souvenirs, accessories, electronics, clothes, houseware, cosmetics and more. Prices at its 400 stores mostly fall below S$10.

If you are not a shopper, Bugis Street has cheap street snacks for you to munch on. These include Kaya Balls (S$2.80) sold in batches of 8 and Curry Fishballs (S$2.60). After you are done eating, you can get a cup of mixed fruit juice at the drink stall for only S$1.

Bugis Street even has arcade games such as motorbike racing simulators and nail salons on the third storey. You can enjoy a manicure starting from S$6 or a wax for S$20.

261 Victoria St, Singapore 189876
+65 6631 9931

Daily: 10am – 10pm
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2. Haji Lane

budget mall in singapore - haji lane
Credit – Visit Kampong Gelam

Located a stone’s throw away from Bugis Street, Haji Lane, a short walk from Bugis MRT, is in the Kampong Glam district. Haji Lane obtained its name from the businesses that dominated the area in years past.

In the past, Arab pilgrim-brokers situated along the street would arrange for Muslim pilgrimage for Muslims in Singapore as well as from surrounding islands such as Java.

Today, young people throng the shophouses along this lane for its indie stores and cafes. These include Pizza Fabbrica, Good Luck Beerhouse and Monocle. Their prices are a little higher (S$10-20); they do not enjoy as much economies of scale with unique offerings.

Amidst all the eating and shopping, stop to admire the murals on the walls of Haji Lane. You’ll find artworks inspired by Singapore’s history for a trip down memory lane (literally).

21A Haji Lane, Singapore 189214
For contact numbers of individual stores, see here.

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3. Mustafa Centre

budget malls in singapore - mustafa

Mustafa Centre is a budget mall in Singapore on Syed Alwi Road in the ethnic district of Little India. The budget shopping mall is a magnet for late-night shoppers with its extended operating hours until 2am and its wide range of products and services at affordable prices.

Mustafa Centre has 2 divisions: one, that sells jewellery (from S$200) and household appliances, and the other plying products such as watches, DVDs, electronic goods and clothing. Prices of these can go as low as half of those of major retailers in other malls.

In addition to selling more than 300,000 items, Mustafa Centre provides services such as foreign exchange and travel arrangements. There is also a cafe on the ground floor selling Indian snacks and drinks at affordable prices (S$1.50). Note that seating space is limited.

145 Syed Alwi Rd, Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704
+65 6295 5855

Daily: 9.30am – 2am
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4. Far East Plaza

best old-school mall in singapore - far east plaza
Credit – Roots.sg

If you can’t afford to shop at the exorbitant malls on Orchard Road, visit Far East Plaza.

A youth culture symbol from the 1980s to 2000s, Far East Plaza housed cheap clothing outlets including 77th Street, as well as eateries that appealed to the school-going crowd.

Far East Plaza is also home to numerous tattoo parlours and barbers mostly located on the upper floors. It now also has massage parlours that have replaced several fashion shops.

The average prices of clothes at the remaining fashion shops range between S$15 and S$30. If that still sounds expensive, check out their daily sales where clothes are sold for less than S$10. These comprise a mix of Korean, Hong Kong, vintage and retro apparel.

14 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228213

+65 6734 2325
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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5. Lucky Plaza

lucky plaza singapore
Credit – PropertyGuru

Another budget mall in Singapore along Orchard Road is the happy-go-lucky Lucky Plaza. You can find casual clothing, simple accessories, sunglasses, low-end watches, sweet and chocolate, souvenirs, used books, and medicated oil products on sale here.

One must-visit perfume shop is Dollars & Scent, which opened its first branch at Lucky Plaza in 1997. Since then, Dollars & Scent has grown to over 10 outlets islandwide. If you are looking to buy male perfume, get the Davidoff Cool Water for Men (125ml) for S$38.

A cool, crisp scent reminiscent of masculinity, Davidoff Cool Water has become a hit amongst men. It has an invigorating scent with mint, lavender and coriander notes.

304 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238863
+65 6235 3294

Daily: 9am – 9pm
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6. Chinatown Street Market

best budget mall in singapore - chinatown street market
Credit – Singapore Tourism Board

Singapore’s Chinatown Street Market is one of the city’s most popular spots to visit for its cheap items. The budget shops in the bustling downtown area cover the following streets: Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Lane, Smith Street and Temple Street.

The sights and sounds of the market are exactly what visitors expect of Chinatown. Hundreds of stalls here ply items ranging from clothes to homeware and handicrafts.

If you are a tourist, the souvenirs (S$5) range from outdated silk robes and lucky cats to decorative wood and handmade fans with calligraphy drawn on them. Haggling is allowed.

There’s also an impressive range of street food carts with fresh dim sum and crispy duck. For the full array of street eats, head over to the designated Food Street on Smith Street.

29 Smith St, Singapore 058943

+65 6221 5115
Daily: 9am – 10pm
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7. City Plaza

budget mall in singapore - City Plaza
Credit – City Plaza

Located at the junction of Geylang Road and Guillemard Road, City Plaza is accessible via the Pan Island Expressway and Nicoll Highway. It is a 5-minute walk from Paya Lebar MRT.

City Plaza is an 18-storey retail and residential complex. Its 5 storeys of retail shops boast a variety of tenants from furniture and convenience goods shops to boutiques and services.

Thrift stores such as REFASH offering fashion deals that start from $10 can be found on the third floor along with other similar wholesale shops. Shoppers can also make a pit stop at one of the beauty salons there for a relaxing massage or a manicure for as low as S$5. 

After you are done shopping, visit the food court on Level 5. Its stalls sell affordable handmade noodles (mee hoon kway) for less than S$5, Thai and Malaysian dishes.

810 Geylang Rd, Singapore 409286
+65 6748 0997

Daily: 10am – 10pm
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8. Queensway Shopping Centre

best budget mall in singapore - queensway shopping centre

Queensway Shopping Centre is one of Singapore’s most popular budget malls for sports apparel. The mall sells a wide range of sports gear and sports accessories, covering major brands of the likes of Puma, Under Armour, New Balance, Adidas, Reebok, Asics and Nike.

You can buy a pair of Nike shoes for less than S$100 depending on its model and the store. Other costlier accessories such as heart rate monitor watches begin from S$249.

In recent years, the budget mall in Singapore has seen more thrift shops moving in. They include Daisies Yard, which plies Y2K or fairy-aesthetic pieces suitable for women, and Mama Store, whose pieces are almost all unisex. At the latter thrift shop, browse more than 300 t-shirts, bottoms, caps and more. Their prices range between S$4 and S$40.

1 Queensway, Singapore 149053
+65 6479 8676
Daily: 8.30am – 10pm
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9. IMM Mall

best budget mall in singapore - IMM
Credit – CapitaLand

Conveniently located near Jurong East MRT, IMM is Singapore’s largest outlet mall. Half of its 220 stores are outlet stores. They offer up to 80 percent discounts all year round.

These outlet stores of the likes of Spade, Michael Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger stock a variety of merchandise. These include designer clothes, sportswear, kids’ apparel and accessories.

Not a sucker for luxury fashion brands? IMM also has everyday favourites. Pick a top from Cotton On for as low as S$5 and a pair of sandals from Charles and Keith for only S$25.

Food-wise, IMM has many family-friendly food outlets. These range from franchises such as HaiDiLao, Swensen’s, MacDonald’s, Bali Thai and Burger King, to independent food outlets.

 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601
+65 6665 8268

Daily: 10am – 10pm
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10. Anchorpoint Centre

best things to do in singapore - anchorpoint centre
Credit – Street Directory

Anchorpoint Centre is a budget mall in Singapore to buy cheap essential goods and clothes. Located opposite IKEA Singapore, the 2-storey shopping centre is a haunt for those staying in Queenstown. You can find shops selling clothing, bags, shoes and more.

Numerous sales are offered by factory outlet stores every week. Customers, for example, can purchase beautiful clothing at inexpensive prices – S$10 for a lovely Cotton On shirt.

Unlike other malls, bargaining is not allowed. All items are sold at fixed rates. The good news is that AnchorPoint is hardly crowded; you don’t have to worry about long queues.

370 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159953

Daily: 8am – 10pm
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11. Peninsula Plaza

Peninsula plaza - exterior of building
Credit – Peninsula Plaza

Another lesser-known local mall is Peninsula Plaza. It is a Burmese enclave in City Hall.

If you are a foodie, you will be able to much on affordable Burmese snacks (S$3) at the minimarts on the second floor and tuck into authentic Burmese cuisine in the basement.

If you are a fashionista, be sure to check out Cherry Thrift Shop on Level 5, a Burmese-run clothing store that sells upcycled womenswear from $5. It specialises in Y2K fashion, characterised by scarf tops, boot-cut jeans, velour tracksuits, metallics and cowl necks.

If you are feeling bougie, visit Ashitagaaru for its vintage jeans and leather jackets. It carries major brands such as Levi’s and Carhartt and a collection of catalogued designs.

111 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 179098
+65 6330 6175 / 6337 7188

Daily: 8am – 10pm
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