A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Gold Coast for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Singapore or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Gold Coast? 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. 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a colorful, high energy, and fun-filled coastline. 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.

Singapore and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Gold Coast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore than Gold Coast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Singapore is very popular for its food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Gold Coast attracts visitors for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Gold Coast is more touristy than Singapore and is popular for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Singapore is famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Singapore different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Gold Coast specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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

Singapore is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gold Coast makes for a great culinary experience. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast Better for Music?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Singapore and Gold Coast offer a relatively similar set of first-rate luxury resort options.

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.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Gold Coast is a perfect choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Singapore is a mediocre city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

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

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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 Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Gold Coast is a popular spot for hiking. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Gold Coast?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline 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.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Singapore or Gold Coast.

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.

Gold Coast is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Singapore and Gold Coast make for a first-rate place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Gold Coast has plenty to offer. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Singapore and Gold Coast are first-rate destinations for backpackers.

Singapore is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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 frequent Gold Coast. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast Better for Students?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Gold Coast is not popular with 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.

Gold Coast is not popular with students.

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

Singapore is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Gold Coast. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Is Singapore or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline 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.

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Gold Coast?

Both Singapore and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Singapore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Singapore than Gold Coast. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

Couples should spend more time in Singapore than Gold Coast. 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast?

When visiting Singapore, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing 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 food around the coastline of Gold Coast. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Gold Coast?

When visiting Singapore, people usually allow for lots of time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful destination of Gold Coast. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastline offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Gold Coast?

Singapore, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful coastline of Gold Coast. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastline makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastline has to offer.

A week in Singapore or Gold Coast?

Singapore is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gold Coast is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gold Coast, one week is sufficent for most. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Gold Coast, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Gold Coast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Singapore is in Asia and Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

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

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Gold Coast?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Gold Coast, 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.