A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hong Kong vs. Singapore for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

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Should you visit Hong Kong or Singapore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hong Kong or Singapore, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan, glamorous, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Singapore

Singapore is a modern, global, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

How is Hong Kong different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hong Kong and Singapore.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Singapore on the map. Check out Merlion Park, the Asian Civilizations Museum, or Fort Canning Park.


Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Food?

Dining out in both Hong Kong and Singapore can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

For foodies, Singapore is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Hong Kong has a large number of nightlife venues. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening ranging from night markets to concerts and parties. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are often compact and crowded.

Singapore is a world class party destination. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife.

Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Beaches?

Both Hong Kong and Singapore have beaches worth visiting.

You can check out the beach in Hong Kong. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option.

Singapore is a good option for a beach vacation. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Hong Kong and Singapore.

Known for shopping, Hong Kong draws large crowds to its stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Singapore is a world class destination for shoppers. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.


Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Families?

Hong Kong and Singapore are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Singapore is a very family-friendly destination. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Couples?

Hong Kong and Singapore are both fun to visit as a couple.

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

Singapore makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is a more popular city for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Singapore. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

Hong Kong is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Hong Kong or Singapore better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Hong Kong and Singapore.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

Singapore has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.


Is Hong Kong or Singapore a more walkable city?

Hong Kong and Singapore are similar when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hong Kong. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

It is easy to get around Singapore on foot. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

Hong Kong and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Hong Kong
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with backpackers
Singapore
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Singapore or Hong Kong?

How long in Hong Kong or Singapore?

Both Hong Kong and Singapore have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Hong Kong is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Singapore is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Hong Kong or Singapore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hong Kong 3-7 
    Singapore 2-7

One day in Hong Kong or Singapore?

People visit Hong Kong because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Singapore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Hong Kong or Singapore?

People visit Hong Kong because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find live music and food around the diverse big city of Singapore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hong Kong or Singapore?

People visit Hong Kong because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse city of Singapore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Hong Kong or Singapore?

Hong Kong is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hong Kong, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Singapore is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Which city is cheaper, Singapore or Hong Kong?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hong Kong is $127, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $115. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hong Kong and Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hong Kong $60
    Singapore $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hong Kong $120
    Singapore $146

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hong Kong $6.95
    Singapore $8.02
Typical Local Transportation prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.80
  • Local Bus
    $2.80
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.25
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hong Kong

Also for Hong Kong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Hong Kong Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $30
  • Hong Kong Shared Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $30
  • Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong: $32
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Int. Airport (HKG): $32
  • HongKong airport Private transfer to Tsim Sha Tsui or Kowlong City maxi 9 person: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong Island or City Center: $38
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong Island or City to Hong Kong Airport: $38
  • HongKong airport Private transfer to or from HongKong Island maximum 9 person: $39
  • HKG Private Arrival Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to Hotel: $48
  • HKG Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong/Kowloon Hotel to Hong Kong Airport: $48
  • Hong Kong City to Cruise Port Hong Kong - Private Car Transfer: $49
  • Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $62

Typical Local Transportation prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Universal Studios And Trick Eye Museum Combo Ticket With Return Transfer: $125
  • Transfer from Marina Bay Cruise Centre to Singapore Changi Airport: $74
  • Transfer Singapore Cruise Centre To Changi Airport (Pvt): $53
  • Transfer Marina Bay Cruise Centre To City Hotel (Pvt): $28
  • Transfer Marina Bay Cruise Centre To Changi Airport ( Pvt ): $28
  • Transfer City Hotel To Marina Bay Cruise Centre ( Pvt ): $28
  • Transfer City Hotel To Changi Airport (Private): $54
  • Super Luxury Limousine Service (Rolls Royce) - Airport Transfer: $334
  • Skip the Line: VIP Tour of Universal Studios Singapore with Private Transfer: $329
  • Private Changqi Airport (SIN) Transfer to Singapore City: $35
  • Private Airport(SIN) Transfer from Singapore City to Changqi Airport: $33
  • Singapore to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) - Departure Private Car Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Hong Kong or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore and Hong Kong 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
    Hong Kong $26
    Singapore $21
Typical Food prices in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • E-Ticket: Symphony of Lights Dinner Cruise and Free Transfer: $64
  • 2-Hour Dinner & Shows on Victoria Harbour Night Cruise: $81
  • Hong Kong Market Tour and Cantonese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $154
  • Private Food Tour: The Best Bites of Mongkok: $204
  • Private Food Tour: The Best Bites of Hong Kong Island: $204
  • Private Romantic Dinner for 2 on Luxury Yacht: $1,549

Typical Food prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.39
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

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

  • Half-Day Walking and Food Tour in Singapur: $28
  • Dinner Only at Singapore Flyer: $28
  • Israeli Breakfast Virtual Cooking Class Live from Singapore: $35
  • Authentic Chinese Dim Sum Virtual Cooking Class Live from Singapore: $35
  • Lonely Planet Experience: Hawker Centre Food Tour: $46
  • Cooking Class & Culinary Exchange Singapore: $51
  • Singapore Flyer Ticket + Dinner: $53
  • Chinatown Food Tour in Singapore: $66
  • Private South Indian Cooking Class in Singapore: $71
  • (Semi-Private) Everyday Street Art and Street Food Tour: $74
  • Fun Singaporean Cooking Class with Local Chef: $76
  • Experience Cultural Cooking Class: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hong Kong $76
    Singapore $25
Typical Entertainment prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Peak Tram
    $7.64
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Tours and Activities in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Food Adventure in Hong Kong with a Local Foodie: $2.64
  • Peak Tram Sky Pass: Tram Ticket, Hong Kong Sky Tour and Sky Terrace 428 Entry: $13
  • E-Ticket: Peak Tram Round Trip and Sky Terrace: $17
  • sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $19
  • Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket on Lantau Island: $21
  • Skip the line: E-Tickets in Macau: $23
  • Victoria Peak Hong Kong (Tai Ping Shan) Ticket: $24
  • Hong Kong Sky100 Admission Ticket: $24
  • Victoria Harbour Cruise by Aqua Luna: $28
  • Central Street Art Walking Tour: $28
  • sky100 Admission Ticket for Two Person with One Free Café 100 Dining Voucher: $31
  • Skip The Line: Ngong Ping Cable Car Round Trip Voucher: $31

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • (Semi-Private) Everyday Art-chitecture Tour: $68
  • (Semi-Private) Everyday Secrets of Singapore Public Housing Tour: $70
  • 1 Altitude Gallery + 1 Day Unlimited Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing: $36
  • 1 Day Hopper Pass - Unlimited Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing: $22
  • 16 Hrs Melaka Flexible Day & Night Car Tour from Singapore: $1,015
  • 16 Hrs Melaka Ultimate Day & Night Car Tour from Singapore: $508
  • 16 Hrs Tailored Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore: $145
  • 17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Exclusive Escorted Car Tour from Singapore: $556
  • 17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Day & Night Car Tour from Singapore: $1,112
  • 17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Day & Night Van Tour from Singapore: $173
  • 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur & Melaka Touch & Go Car Fun Tour from Singapore: $629
  • 3 Days The Iconic Singapore – Private Tour: $1,082

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hong Kong $17
    Singapore $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Singapore:

  • Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $14
  • Tiger Brewery Tour: $14
  • Singapore Pub Crawl: $24
  • ★The Singapore Halloween Pub Crawl 2019★: $40
  • Private Tour - Singapore Tiger Brewery Tour: $83
  • Singapore's First Distillery & Brewery Tour: $123

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Hong Kong and Singapore, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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Hong Kong vs. Singapore Travel Comparison

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