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

Should you visit Singapore or Cardiff?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Cardiff? 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 colorful, glitzy, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Singapore and Cardiff: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Singapore or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Singapore is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Singapore different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.


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

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Cardiff

Evening events are good in both Singapore and Cardiff.

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 Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Music?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Cardiff is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Singapore As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Cardiff is not a live music destination.


Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is not so good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Cardiff?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Singapore make it a world-class shopping destination. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Families?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.


Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Singapore. 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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Singapore or Cardiff Better for Students?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Singapore
Cardiff

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

Singapore has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.


Is Singapore or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Singapore
Cardiff

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Cardiff?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Singapore and Cardiff. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Cardiff. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cardiff.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Cardiff. 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 Cardiff. 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Cardiff 1-3

One day in Singapore or Cardiff?

Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Cardiff. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Singapore or Cardiff?

Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the up-and-coming city of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Cardiff 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Singapore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Singapore is $152, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is $196. 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 Cardiff in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $98
    Cardiff $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $196
    Cardiff $234
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Cardiff

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff


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: Cardiff Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $10
    Cardiff $27
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:

  • Adventure Cove Waterpark + 1 Way Transfer: $74
  • Airport Transfer: $81
  • Changi International Airport Private MPV Transfer: $149
  • City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $36
  • City Experience with National Orchid Garden + Roundtrip Transfers: $59
  • City Tour+Gardens by the Bay(FlowerDome&CloudForest)Transfers: $73
  • Downtown to Singapore Airport (SIN) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • ExhilaratingSentosa MorningTour(Guided Shared Roundtrip Transfer): $150
  • Free Wifi Rental | Two - Way Airport Transfer Minivan (4pax): $184
  • Garden by the Bay with two domes (Shared transfer): $60
  • Gardens By the Bay with One Way Transfer (2 Domes): $48
  • Glittering Singapore Night Out + Roundtrip Transfers: $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:

  • Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
  • Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
  • Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
  • Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $96
  • Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $96
  • Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
  • Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Cardiff?

Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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 $28
    Cardiff $55
Typical Food Prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.52
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.48

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: $47
  • 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
  • Evening Sightseeing Walking Tour with Dinner: $71
  • 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: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $32
    Cardiff $31

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • The Civic District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • The Civic District: Hear stories about Singapore's past on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Singapore's History of Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Big Little India: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Singapore's Malay Culture: $5.20
  • Singapore Street Art Hunting in Kampong Glam: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $5.31
  • Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Entry Ticket: $5.93
  • Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $5.93
  • Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Admission Ticket: $6.01
  • Science Center E-Ticket: $7.11

Tours and Activities in Cardiff

Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
  • A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
  • Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
  • Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Cardiff's Waterfront: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $27
    Cardiff $16

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: $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 & Craft Beer Tasting: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff

Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
  • Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff is more expensive. And not only is Singapore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Cardiff is in Europe, 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 Singapore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Singapore 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff than you might in Singapore.

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


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Cardiff?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Cardiff, 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.