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

Should you visit Matsue or Singapore?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Matsue and Singapore can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Matsue

Matsue is a pretty, serene, and historic town. With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping. See Matsue travel costs.

Singapore

Singapore is a global, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Singapore travel costs.

Matsue and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Matsue or Singapore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Matsue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Singapore is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Matsue is known for its historical sights. Matsue is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Singapore is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Matsue different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Matsue
Singapore

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Matsue and Singapore.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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.


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

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Singapore have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Matsue has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Nightlife?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Singapore has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Music?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Matsue is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Singapore As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Matsue is not a live music destination.


Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Matsue is not a resort destination.

Singapore is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Matsue is not a resort destination.

Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is not so good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Singapore isn't the best spot for snorkeling. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Matsue is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is a city with good options for the beach. However, Matsue is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Singapore. 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.

Matsue is not a beach destination.


Is Matsue or Singapore Better for its Old Town?

Matsue
Singapore

Matsue is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Matsue offers a nice historic old town area. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Singapore?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Singapore make it a world-class shopping destination. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Matsue has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

Is Matsue or Singapore More Beautiful?

Matsue
Singapore

Matsue and Singapore are somewhat similar when it comes to the excellent scenery.

The beauty of Matsue is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

With stunning beauty, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.


Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Families?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Singapore is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Couples?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Singapore is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Matsue is a good town for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Matsue. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.


Is Matsue or Singapore Better for Students?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for students. However, Matsue is not popular with students.

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

Matsue is not popular with students.

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

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Singapore can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Matsue. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

Is Matsue or Singapore a more walkable city?

Matsue
Singapore

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Singapore on foot is easy. 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.

Matsue is a very walkable destination. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.


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

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Singapore?

Both Matsue 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 Matsue. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Matsue, and 2-7 days is enough time in Singapore.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Matsue. 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 Matsue. 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 Matsue 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.


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

One day in Matsue or Singapore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Matsue. 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.

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Matsue or Singapore?

You'll find museums and food around the quiet destination of Matsue. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Matsue or Singapore?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quiet town of Matsue. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Matsue or Singapore?

Matsue 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Matsue?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Matsue is $88, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $179. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Matsue and Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Matsue $27
    Singapore $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Matsue $54
    Singapore $202
Compare Hotels in Matsue and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Matsue or Singapore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Matsue


Hotels in Singapore


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Matsue $20
    Singapore $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

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


  • Taxi to Airport
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • 13 Seater Minibus Airport / City Transfer in Singapore: $76
  • 7 Seater Airport / City Transfer Singapore: $68
  • Airport Transfer: $85
  • Airport Transfer: SIN Airport to Singapore by Luxury Van: $120
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore to SIN Airport by Business Car: $102
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore to SIN Airport by Luxury Car: $157
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore to SIN Airport by Luxury Van: $120
  • Airport to Hotel Transfer in Singapore: $80
  • Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer to Singapore/Johor Bahru: $24
  • City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $31
  • Harbourfront Cruise Center, Singapore to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $215
  • Lion City Night Out + Roundtrip Transfers: $81

Is it cheaper to fly into Matsue or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore and Matsue 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
    Matsue $49
    Singapore $50

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.75
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

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

  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $53
  • Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $54
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $55
  • Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker: $58
  • Authentic Singapore Street Food Tour: $60
  • Plant-Based Food Tour with Local Guide: $61
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $68
  • Hawker Center Street Food Tour with Guide: $68
  • Guided Street Food Tour at Night: $74
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Hawker Culture Food Tour and Sightseeing: $75
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $76

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Matsue $9.13
    Singapore $34

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
  • Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
  • Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • Artoholic A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Follow the Money: A self-guided audio tour of Singapore's Financial District: $5.00
  • Science Center E-Ticket: $6.43
  • Peranakan Museum Admission Ticket: $6.51
  • The Civic District with Singapore Boy Hossan Leong: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $7.75
  • Gardens by the Bay Bundle Entry Ticket: $7.75
  • Outdoor Audio Tour at Gardens by the Bay: $8.23
  • BikingSG Best of Take in the sights on a relaxed audio cycling tour: $8.31
  • National Orchid Garden Entry Tickets: $8.37
  • Singapore Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $8.51

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Matsue $7.10
    Singapore $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

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

  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $30
  • Singapore Pub Crawl: $36
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $39
  • Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket: $41
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $77
  • LeVeL33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge Package: $192


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Matsue and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.

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


Which is Bigger, Matsue or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue 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.