A preparation method for a metal-modified SAPO molecular sieve is disclosed, characterized in adding a raw powder of the SAPO molecular sieve to a solution containing metal ions for performing ion exchange, and then washing and drying the obtained solid after ion exchange, so as to obtain the metal-modified SAPO molecular sieve. The metal-modified SAPO molecular sieve prepared has a relatively high degree of crystallinity, and the metal elements occupy the ionic positions in the channels and/or cages of the SAPO molecular sieve, and the metal-modified SAPO molecular sieve shows excellent catalytic performance in the catalytic reaction.