A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kobe vs. Singapore for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kobe or Singapore?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kobe and Singapore. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kobe

Kobe is a multicultural, quaint, and subdued city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Singapore

Singapore is a diverse, colorful, and glitzy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Kobe and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kobe or Singapore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore than Kobe. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Singapore is more touristy than Kobe and is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Kobe is famous for its world renowned Kobe beef and its hot spring resorts.

How is Kobe different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Singapore and Kobe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kobe or Singapore?

Singapore is great for its historical sights. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Singapore. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

Kobe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Check out the view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower and visit the high energy area of Kobe Harborland. The Disaster Reduction Museum and the nearby Human Renovation Museum are both fascinating to visit as well. Also check out the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art and Rokko Island.

Is the Food Better in Kobe or Singapore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Singapore, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kobe makes for a great culinary experience. Most people immediately think of Kobe beef when they think of this city, but there are also many other specialties around town. You'll find good sushi as well as akashiyaki, which are octopus dumplings. The city long served as a major port for Japan, so there is a strong Chinese influence over the cuisine. In particular, you should try the chuka ryori (a Chinese dumpling).

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Kobe and Singapore.

If you're looking for night time activities Kobe has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is a bit subdued, but that doesn't mean you won't find local bars, karaoke, and live music venues where you can hang out. Many visitors enjoy having a chill night out with a drink in a laid back setting.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Singapore. 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. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Music?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Kobe is not a live music destination.

Singapore has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Kobe is not a live music destination.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kobe is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Singapore for its luxury resorts. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Kobe is not a resort destination.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is mediocre for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Kobe is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Kobe is not a beach destination.

Singapore offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kobe is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kobe or Singapore?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many people travel to Singapore specifically to go shopping. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Kobe is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's fun and convenient to shop here, as the best shopping districts are easy to access from the train stations. Sannomiya is a hub of transportation and shopping in the city, but also check out Kobe Harborland for its diverse stores and high energy.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Families?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Singapore is very family-friendly. 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.

Kobe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly attractions around Kobe Harborland including a ferris wheel, Anpanman Museum, and the Kobe Maritime Museum. Kids will also enjoy running around Meriken Park or Mount Rokko. Kids who like animals will enjoy a visit to Kobe Animal Kingdom.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Couples?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Singapore is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Kobe is a nice destination for couples. There's a romantic view from the top of the Kobe Port Tower. There are also many parks and a waterfront promenade where you can take a stroll. If you enjoy hiking, you can take the Maya View Line Kikuseidai, which is particularly nice in the evening.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Singapore, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kobe. Although many tourists and backpackers don't put Kobe on their itinerary, there are still a handful of hostels around the city.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Students?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kobe is not popular with students.

Singapore is a very popular place to visit for students. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Kobe is not popular with students.

Is Kobe or Singapore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Singapore is top-notch. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Kobe has a few public transit options. While there is a subway system, it's not particularly useful to tourists. There is a bus service that operates a line that targets tourists.

Is Kobe or Singapore a more walkable city?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Kobe is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Singapore is a very easy city to get around 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.

Kobe is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around many parts of the city, although some areas are quite hilly. You can walk from Shin-Kobe Bullet Train Station to the water in about half an hour.

For even more information, also check out Is Kobe Worth Visiting? and Is Singapore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Kobe?

How long in Kobe or Singapore?

Both Kobe and Singapore have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Kobe. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kobe, and 2-7 days is enough time in Singapore.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Kobe. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Singapore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Singapore than Kobe. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Singapore that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Singapore than Kobe if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Singapore.

One day in Kobe or Singapore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Kobe. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kobe has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Singapore is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kobe or Singapore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the multicultural destination of Kobe. 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.

Singapore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Kobe or Singapore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the subdued city of Kobe. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Singapore is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Kobe or Singapore?

Kobe is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Singapore is a global city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kobe and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Kobe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kobe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kobe and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Singapore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Singapore than you might in Kobe.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kobe Expensive? and Is Singapore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kobe or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Kobe and Singapore, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.