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

Should you visit Singapore or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Malaga? 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 diverse, colorful, and glitzy 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a friendly, welcoming, and historic port city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Singapore and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Singapore or Malaga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Malaga, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Singapore is more popular for its museums, food, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Malaga is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights. Singapore is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also home to Merlion Park Waterfront. Malaga is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Singapore different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Singapore, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Malaga

Malaga 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.

Malaga is a world class party destination. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga Better for Music?

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its music scene.

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.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.


Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Singapore for its luxury resorts. 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.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Malaga

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

Malaga has a few good snorkeling spots. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

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

Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Malaga

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Singapore and Malaga are good choices.

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.

Many people head to Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.


Is Singapore or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Singapore
Malaga

Malaga is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Malaga?

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Families?

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Singapore is very family-friendly. 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.


Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Couples?

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Singapore is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Malaga is a good city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Malaga

Both Singapore and Malaga are amazing 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 Malaga. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

Is Singapore or Malaga Better for Students?

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Malaga is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.


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

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Is Singapore or Malaga a more walkable city?

Singapore
Malaga

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Singapore 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.

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Malaga?

Both Singapore and Malaga 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 Malaga. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

One day in Singapore or Malaga?

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 port city of Malaga. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Malaga?

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 friendly destination of Malaga. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Malaga?

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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the welcoming port city of Malaga. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

A week in Singapore or Malaga?

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.

Malaga is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Malaga, 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 Cultural Tours in Singapore, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga 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 Malaga is $150. 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 Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $98
    Malaga $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $196
    Malaga $160
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Malaga? 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 Malaga


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: Malaga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $10
    Malaga $33
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:

  • Singapore City Highlights with Transfers: $20
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer: $20
  • Private Airport Transfer in Singapore: $25
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Singapore Airport or Port to Hotel: $26
  • MBCC & HFCC - Cruise Terminal to City Hotel Transfer: $29
  • Singapore City Hotel to Marina Bay Cruise Terminal Transfer: $29
  • Singapore Arrival Transfer (Airport to Hotel): $29
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer to Downtown: $30
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Singapore - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Singapore Airport: Shared Arrival or Departure Car Transfer : $31
  • Singapore Point to Point Transfer: $32
  • Singapore Downtown to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) -Departure Private Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Malaga Port - Arrival private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Málaga Airport (AGP): $19
  • Private Transfer from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga hotels to Malaga Cruise Port: $19
  • Malaga Port to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels: $19
  • Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Malaga City Center: $31
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private One Way Airport Transfer (Malaga Airport To/From Malaga): $34
  • Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Malaga Cruise Port to Malaga hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga 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
    Malaga $37
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: $48
  • 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
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $73
  • Best Ever Katong Food Tour with Local Foodie - Eat till you drop!: $75
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $76
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $82
  • Hands-on Cooking Class with Cultural Immersion: $82
  • Local Food Tour: $82

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

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


  • Dinner for 2
    $32
  • Dinner for 2
    $47
  • Breakfast for 2
    $8.57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.

  • Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $77
  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $84
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $32
    Malaga $33

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
  • Singapore's History of Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Singapore Street Art Hunting in Kampong Glam: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • The Civic District: Hear stories about Singapore's past on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Singapore's Malay Culture: $5.20
  • Follow the Money: A self-guided audio tour of Singapore's Financial District: $5.20
  • Singapore's Stories and Histories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Big Little India: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $5.34
  • Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $5.93
  • Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Entry Ticket: $5.93

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    $7.61
  • Concert
    $33

Tours and Activities in Malaga

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

  • Skip the Line: Picasso's Birthplace Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.37
  • Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Frigiliana: $5.48
  • Malaga Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.57
  • Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Malaga: $7.11
  • Ronda Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.00
  • Malaga Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Guided tour of Castillo Colomares: $9.83
  • Alcazaba Malaga Guided Tour: $11
  • Mythological and Historical Tour of Almuñecar: $11
  • Skip the Line: Malaga Automobile and Fashion Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Guided tour in Ronda: $13
  • Andalucia's City Of Dreams: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ronda: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $27
    Malaga $24

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
  • Little India Pub Crawl : $23
  • 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
  • Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $55
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $74

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

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

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $18
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga City Wine Tour: $95
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
  • Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $119
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $137


When comparing the travel costs between Singapore and Malaga, 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 Malaga is in Europe, 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 Malaga Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Malaga?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Malaga, 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.