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

Should you visit Singapore or Alice Springs?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Alice Springs? 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.

Singapore

Singapore is a global, diverse, and colorful 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.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a charming, friendly, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Singapore and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Singapore or Alice Springs?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore. Although Singapore and Alice Springs are popular destinations, Singapore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Singapore is very popular for its museums, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Alice Springs attracts visitors for its hiking and small town charm. Singapore is famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Alice Springs is famous for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

How is Singapore different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Alice Springs?

Singapore
Alice Springs

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.


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

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Evening events are nice in both Singapore and Alice Springs.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Music?

Singapore
Alice Springs

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

Alice Springs is not a live music destination.


Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is mediocre for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a city with good options for the beach. However, Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.


Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

People visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Alice Springs?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Alice Springs is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.


Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs Better for Students?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alice Springs 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.

Alice Springs is not popular with students.


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

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Singapore or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Singapore
Alice Springs

Singapore is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Singapore or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Singapore due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Singapore than Alice Springs 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 Singapore or Alice Springs? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Alice Springs 2-4

One day in Singapore or Alice Springs?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Alice Springs is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Singapore or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Singapore or Alice Springs?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Alice Springs?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Alice Springs or Singapore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Singapore is $151, while the average daily cost in Alice Springs is $95. 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 Singapore and Alice Springs in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $98
    Alice Springs $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $196
    Alice Springs $100
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Alice Springs

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Alice Springs? 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 Singapore


Hotels in Alice Springs


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: Alice Springs Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $10
    Alice Springs $20
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:

  • Private Transfer from Seletar Airport (XSP) to Legoland Malasya: $273
  • Private Transfer from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Legoland (Malaysia): $254
  • Free Wifi Rental | Two - Way Airport Transfer Minivan (4pax): $184
  • Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket with Transfer: $175
  • Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $168
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): Transfer to Downtown hotels: $163
  • Singapore to Kuala Lumpur One Way Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer: SIN Airport to Singapore in Luxury Car: $152
  • ExhilaratingSentosa MorningTour(Guided Shared Roundtrip Transfer): $150
  • Marina Bay Sands & Gardens By The Bay & Transfer: $143
  • Singapore to Johor Bahru - Private Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Marina Cruise Port: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alice Springs

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

  • Uluru to Alice Springs or Alice to Uluru 1-Way Luxe Transfer: $127

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Alice Springs?

Prices for flights to both Alice Springs and Singapore 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
    Singapore $27
    Alice Springs $24
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alice Springs

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

  • From Day Trip to Uluru with BBQ Dinner: $219
  • Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner: $233

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $32
    Alice Springs $14

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

Tours and Activities in Alice Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alice Springs.

  • Skip the Line: Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour Ticket: $9.25
  • West MacDonnell Ranges: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Outback Adventure: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Australia’s Red Centre: A Self-Guided West Macs Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket: $26
  • Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour: $28
  • Alice Springs Camel Tour: $59
  • West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group: $92
  • A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs: $95
  • From Alice Spring: West MacDonnell Ranges Half-Day Tour: $97
  • Alice Springs Highlights Tour : $109
  • Historical Alice Tour: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $27
    Alice Springs $17

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Alice Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Alice Springs:


  • Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
    $4.54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Alice Springs, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Alice Springs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Alice Springs is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Alice Springs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs.

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


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Alice Springs?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Alice Springs, 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.