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

Should you visit Singapore or Phoenix?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Phoenix? 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 global, diverse, and colorful 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.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a laid back, sprawling, and desert city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Singapore and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Phoenix?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore than Phoenix. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Singapore is very popular for its museums, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Phoenix attracts visitors for its hiking. Singapore is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Phoenix is famous for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather.

How is Singapore different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Singapore is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

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

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Singapore have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Phoenix offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are nice in both Singapore and Phoenix.

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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Music?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Phoenix 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.

Phoenix is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Singapore is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is mediocre for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

Phoenix is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a city with good options for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Singapore. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

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

Phoenix is a good destination for hiking. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Phoenix?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Phoenix is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Families?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Singapore is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Singapore is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

Phoenix is a nice destination for couples. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There is a hostel or two around town for budget travelers.

Is Singapore or Phoenix Better for Students?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Phoenix is not popular with students.

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

Singapore is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Phoenix is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Singapore can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

Is Singapore or Phoenix a more walkable city?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Phoenix is not known 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.

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Phoenix?

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

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

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 Phoenix. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Phoenix has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Singapore or Phoenix?

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 sprawling destination of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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 food when visiting the sprawling city of Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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 Cultural Tours in Singapore, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Singapore and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix is in North America, 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Phoenix?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Phoenix. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Phoenix, 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.