SINGAPORE - Moviegoers here are paying more to catch their favourite celebrities on the big screen.

Since the beginning of the year, cinema operators have been quietly raising prices. Catching a 2-D movie at Cathay cinemas now costs $13 from Friday evenings to Sundays, and on the eve of public holidays from 6pm and on public holidays. This is an increase of $2 for a regular title and $1 for a blockbuster title since Jan 9, The Straits Times reported last week.

At Golden Village, the ticket price is $12.50, up from $11.50 since Feb 27, from Friday evening to Sunday, on the eve of a public holiday after 6pm and on a public holiday. At Shaw cinemas, it is $12, up from $11 since April 25 (Friday to Sunday, eve of and on a public holiday).

Operators who have adjusted their ticket prices cited rising expenses, such as rental and manpower costs.

Singapore is not the only place where the cost of catching a movie has crept up. Moviegoers in Australia and the United States have also complained about forking out more for a ticket.

Here's a rough guide on how much a movie ticket costs in different cities: