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

Should you visit Nagasaki or Singapore?

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

Should I visit Nagasaki or Singapore? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a authentic, welcoming, and interesting 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 colorful, glitzy, and modern 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.

Nagasaki and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
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
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nagasaki or Singapore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore than Nagasaki. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Singapore is very popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nagasaki attracts visitors for its nightlife. Nagasaki is famous for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. Singapore is famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Nagasaki different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nagasaki
Singapore

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Singapore and Nagasaki.

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

Many visitors head to Singapore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Nagasaki or Singapore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nagasaki makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Nightlife?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Nagasaki is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Nagasaki has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Music?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a live music destination.


Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Singapore is a great choice. 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.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is not a good area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nagasaki or Singapore?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Families?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Couples?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.


Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

Is Nagasaki or Singapore Better for Students?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nagasaki is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Nagasaki is not popular with students.

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

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Singapore can get you around easily. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Visitors to Nagasaki can move around easily with public transportation. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.


Is Nagasaki or Singapore a more walkable city?

Nagasaki
Singapore

Singapore is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. 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.

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Nagasaki?

How long in Nagasaki or Singapore?

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

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki or Singapore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nagasaki 2-3 
    Singapore 2-7

One day in Nagasaki or Singapore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nagasaki. 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 big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Nagasaki or Singapore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Nagasaki. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Nagasaki or Singapore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Nagasaki. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Nagasaki or Singapore?

Nagasaki 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Nagasaki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nagasaki is $90, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $151. 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 Nagasaki and Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nagasaki $47
    Singapore $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nagasaki $94
    Singapore $196
Compare Hotels in Nagasaki and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki


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: Nagasaki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nagasaki $18
    Singapore $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagasaki

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

  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Port to Nagasaki Airport (NGS): $46
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Airport: $51
  • Private Transfer - Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki Hotels: $61
  • Private Transfer from Nagasaki Cruise Port to Nagasaki hotels: $68
  • Nagasaki Airport (NGS) to Nagasaki - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
  • Nagasaki Airport(NGS) to Nagasaki city - Arrival Private Transfer: $96
  • Nagasaki to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) - Departure Private Transfer: $96
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Cruise Port to Fukuoka hotels: $143
  • Private Transfer from Uragashira Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143
  • Private Transfer from Sasebo Cruise Port to Fukuoka Airport (FUK): $143

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

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


  • Taxi to Airport
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket with Transfer: $175
  • Starry Night Singapore Tour + Roundtrip Transfers: $92
  • Universal Studios 1-Day Pass with 1-Way Transfer: $95
  • Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $168
  • Night Safari Ticket, Tram Ride, & Return Transfer: $103
  • Marina Bay Sands & Gardens By The Bay & Transfer: $143
  • Half-Day City Tour with Hotel Transfer: $35
  • City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $60
  • City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $59
  • Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $55
  • Airport/Seaport Arrival Transfer + Meet & Greet: $81
  • Singapore to Kuala Lumpur One Way Transfer: $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Nagasaki or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore and Nagasaki 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
    Nagasaki $28
    Singapore $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagasaki

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

  • Sunset Beach Dinner: $50
  • Nagasaki Night Out Food Tour: $158
  • Private Walking Street Food Tour Of Nagasaki: $161

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.48
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.47

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: $46
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $47
  • Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $65
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Marina Bay Sands Yacht Cruise with Dinner: $67
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $71
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $72
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $74
  • Best Ever Katong Food Tour with Local Foodie - Eat till you drop!: $74
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $75
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $81
  • Hands-on Cooking Class with Cultural Immersion: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nagasaki $23
    Singapore $32

Tours and Activities in Nagasaki

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

  • Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket: $12
  • Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Stunning Nagasaki Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Nagasaki Shianbashi Tour: $76
  • Taste Local Life: Nagasaki's Historical Street Walking Tour: $78
  • Nagasaki Downtown Private Tour: $80
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with 1-day Tram Ticket: $84
  • Japan Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Admission Ticket: $88
  • Nagasaki Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
  • Hasami Ware Study Tour with Special Guide ~ '400 years history' and 'Modern daily use pottery' ~ : $94

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • SG Adventure Pass with Dukw Tour: $122
  • *17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $185
  • *19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur&Melaka Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $182
  • 1 Hour Admission Ticket for Singapore Cable Car: $26
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $149
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $241
  • 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $68
  • 5-Hour Peranakan Heritage Tour with Peranakan Tile Painting : $124
  • 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver: $233
  • ArtScience Museum Admission Ticket: $23
  • Asian Civilisations Museum Admission Ticket: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nagasaki $11
    Singapore $27

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: $21
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $25
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting: $73


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nagasaki or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nagasaki. When comparing the sizes of Nagasaki 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.