A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Music, and Families

Should you visit Singapore or Austin?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Austin? 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 modern, global, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is a very beautiful destination, too. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Singapore and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Austin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Singapore than Austin. Singapore is bigger than Austin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Singapore is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Singapore is more touristy than Austin and is known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. Also, Singapore is famous for Merlion Park Waterfront. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

How is Singapore different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin 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 Austin?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Singapore or Austin.

Singapore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Both Singapore and Austin offer a number of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

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.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Austin is a world class party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Singapore or Austin Better for Music?

Both Singapore and Austin offer fantastic live music venues.

In Singapore you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Resorts?

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

Singapore offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not so good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

Singapore has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Austin?

Singapore is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Singapore is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Families?

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

Singapore is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Couples?

Singapore is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Singapore has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Singapore is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Singapore or Austin Better for Students?

Singapore is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Singapore is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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 mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Singapore or Austin a more walkable city?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Singapore and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Austin. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Austin. 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 Austin?

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.

You'll find live music and food around the unconventional destination of Austin. 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.

Five days in Singapore or Austin?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unconventional city of Austin. 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.

A week in Singapore or Austin?

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.

Austin 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Singapore and Austin, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Singapore is in Asia and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Austin?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Austin, 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.