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

Should you visit Singapore or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Queenstown? 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a nature-oriented, spirited, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Singapore and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Singapore or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Singapore than Queenstown, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Singapore is better known for its museums, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and hiking. Singapore is well known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. Also, Singapore is famous for Merlion Park Waterfront. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.

How is Singapore different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Singapore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Singapore is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Singapore is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Queenstown?

Singapore is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Both Singapore and Queenstown offer a number of amazing restaurants to choose from.

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.

Queenstown has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

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

Queenstown has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

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 Queenstown Better for Music?

Singapore is a world-class destination for live music. However, Queenstown is not a live music destination.

Singapore is a world class music destination. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Queenstown is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Resorts?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Queenstown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Singapore is a good destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Singapore offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Singapore is not a hiking destination.

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Queenstown?

Singapore is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Singapore is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Families?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Queenstown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Singapore and Queenstown make for a amazing 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, Queenstown has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Singapore and Queenstown 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 Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Is Singapore or Queenstown Better for Students?

Singapore is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Singapore is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Singapore or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Singapore is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Queenstown?

Both Singapore and Queenstown 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 Queenstown. However, 2-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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 food and shopping around the city of Queenstown. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Queenstown?

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 shopping and skiing around the bustling destination of Queenstown. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Queenstown?

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 skiing and nightlife around the nature-oriented city of Queenstown. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Singapore or Queenstown?

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.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Singapore or Queenstown?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Queenstown, 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.