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

Should you visit Singapore or Brisbane?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Brisbane? 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 glitzy, modern, and global 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.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a cultural, active, and relaxed coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Brisbane travel costs.

Singapore and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore than Brisbane. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Singapore is very popular for its food, music, resorts, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Singapore is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

How is Singapore different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

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

Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

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 Brisbane Better for Music?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Resorts?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Singapore is a perfect 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.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Singapore is a mediocre city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is notable for the beach. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Brisbane is considered a top beach destination. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Many people head to Singapore to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Brisbane?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Singapore or Brisbane More Beautiful?

Singapore is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Families?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Singapore has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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 Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Singapore or Brisbane Better for Students?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Brisbane is a great city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

Public transit in Singapore is top-notch. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Singapore or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Brisbane?

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

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Brisbane. 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 Brisbane. 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Brisbane. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Brisbane?

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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active destination of Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Brisbane?

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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxed coastal city of Brisbane. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Singapore or Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Singapore and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane is in Pacific, 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 Brisbane Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Brisbane?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Brisbane, 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.