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

Should you visit Singapore or Newcastle?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Newcastle? 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a trendy, coastal, and vibrant 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.

Singapore and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Singapore or Newcastle?

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

How is Singapore different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Singapore
Newcastle

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

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 Newcastle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.


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

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Newcastle. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Newcastle

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

Newcastle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Music?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for its music scene. However, Newcastle is not a live music destination.

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.

Newcastle is not a live music destination.


Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for its resorts. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is not a good place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Newcastle

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

Newcastle is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

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 Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Singapore
Newcastle

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

Newcastle is a good destination for hiking. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Newcastle?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Singapore is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Families?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Singapore or Newcastle Better for Students?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for students. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not popular with students.


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

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for its public transit. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Singapore can take you anywhere. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Singapore or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Singapore
Newcastle

Singapore is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Singapore or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Singapore due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Newcastle. 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 Newcastle. 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Newcastle 2-4

One day in Singapore or Newcastle?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Newcastle. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Singapore or Newcastle?

People visit Singapore because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

Singapore 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 Singapore, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Newcastle 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle or Singapore?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Singapore is $151, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $91. 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 Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $98
    Newcastle $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $196
    Newcastle $88
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Newcastle? 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 Newcastle


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: Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $10
    Newcastle $8.34
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
  • Singapore Arrival Transfer (Airport to Hotel): $29
  • MBCC & HFCC - Cruise Terminal to City Hotel Transfer: $29
  • Singapore City Hotel to Marina Bay Cruise Terminal Transfer: $29
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer to Downtown: $29
  • 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
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle city hotels: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer - Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $88
  • Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $248
  • Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $751

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle 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 $27
    Newcastle $35
Typical Food Prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.48
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.47

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: $46
  • 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
  • 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: $81
  • Hands-on Cooking Class with Cultural Immersion: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $32
    Newcastle $15

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
  • Singapore Street Art Hunting in Kampong Glam: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Singapore's Malay Culture: $5.20
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $5.31
  • Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $5.87
  • Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Entry Ticket: $5.87
  • Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Admission Ticket: $6.01
  • Science Center E-Ticket: $7.04

Tours and Activities in Newcastle

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

  • Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $9.91
  • Skip the Line: Handmade Cheese, Fruit Paste & Gourmet Bread & Wafers Lunch: $17
  • True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Newcastle Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $23
  • Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise: $27
  • Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $30
  • Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $33
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $37
  • Newscastle: Australian Tree Ropes Course Adventure: $42
  • Lake Macquarie Cruise with Lunch: $46
  • Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise: $49
  • Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $27
    Newcastle $10

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:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $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 and Craft Beer Tasting: $73

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $5.32
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $6.60
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting Masterclass: $9.91
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $20
  • 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $26
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $33
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50
  • Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $72
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate: $102


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

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


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Newcastle?

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