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

Should you visit Nagoya or Singapore?

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

Should I visit Nagoya 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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is a often overlooked, under-the-radar, and under-rated city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Nagoya travel costs.

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, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Singapore travel costs.

Nagoya and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagoya or Singapore?

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

How is Nagoya different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Nagoya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are shrines, temples, and other interesting sights in the city. Atsuta Jingu is an important Shinto shrine. Nagoya Castle is another interesting place to visit. If you're willing to head out of the city center a bit, the Meiji-mura Village Museum is an open air museum that has interesting Japanese architecture. There are also interesting museums in town such as the Nagoya City Art Museums and the Toyota Techno and Toyota Automobile Museums.

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 Nagoya or Singapore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Nagoya and Singapore offer first-rate local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Nagoya is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a strong food culture that's referred to as Nagoya meshi. It's a popular destination for foodies to Japan, even though the city itself is often overlooked by tourists. The city's food uses a lot of local vegetables and its influenced by several international flavors. Important ingredients in the dishes include unagi (freshwater eel), Nagoya cochin (chicken), tamari (soy sauce), and mame miso.

Singapore has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Nagoya or Singapore Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagoya has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are many bars around town, many of which have an international theme. Later in the evening, many people head out to a nightclubs, most of which are concentrated in either Sakae and Shin-sakae.

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 Nagoya or Singapore Better for Music?

Singapore is very popular for its music scene. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a live music destination.

Is Nagoya or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Singapore is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a resort destination.

Is Nagoya or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nagoya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nagoya or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagoya or Singapore?

Singapore is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find everything from large shopping malls to street markets and local vendors. Many people head to Nagoya Station for shopping, but Osu Shotengai is another interesting shopping area in the city's old town.

Is Nagoya or Singapore More Beautiful?

Singapore is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Nagoya is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Nagoya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Nagoya or Singapore Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nagoya or Singapore.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nagoya is a very family-friendly destination. There are a large number of attractions for families in the area. This city is where you'll find Legoland Japan, which is one of the most popular activities to do with kids. The city also has the Sea Life Aquarium, which is located in the Legoland Hotel. Next to Legoland you'll find the SCMaglev and Railway Park. Another great activity is a visit to the Nagoya Public Aquarium, which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan. There are dolphins, orcas, and many different ecosystems to explore. Nearby is the Sea Train Land amusement park.

Singapore is one of the most popular family destinations. 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 Nagoya or Singapore Better for Couples?

Singapore is very popular for couples. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy visiting the Nagoya Castle or checking out the dolphin and orca shows at the Nagoya Public Aquarium. Noritake Garden is a nice place to explore. There are also many coffee shops in town as well as museums and temples.

Is Nagoya or Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a limited number of hostels in town, so they fill up quickly. You should make reservations well in advance if budget is a priority.

Is Nagoya or Singapore Better for Students?

Singapore is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Nagoya is popular with students. Nagoya University has been working to grow its international population. This is a fun and dynamic city that makes a great place to study.

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

Singapore is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagoya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Singapore has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Public transit in Nagoya is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has both a subway and public buses. The main bus stations are at Nagoya Station and Sakae Station and there are six subway lines throughout the city.

Is Nagoya or Singapore a more walkable city?

Singapore is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagoya 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.

Nagoya is very walkable. The downtown area, where you'll find many of the sights, is walkable. The distances vary, but many sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Nagoya?

How long in Nagoya or Singapore?

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

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Nagoya. 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 Nagoya. 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 Nagoya 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 Nagoya or Singapore?

People visit Nagoya 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Singapore. 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 Nagoya or Singapore?

People visit Nagoya because there is so much to do. 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 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 Nagoya or Singapore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Nagoya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. 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 Nagoya or Singapore?

Nagoya 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the colorful big city of Singapore. 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 Luxury Tours to Japan, The Best Tours for Seniors 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 Nagoya and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Nagoya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagoya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagoya 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 Nagoya.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagoya or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Nagoya. When comparing the sizes of Nagoya 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.