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

Should you visit Singapore or Rome?

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

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

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Singapore and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Singapore or Rome?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rome than Singapore. While Singapore is larger than Rome, Rome has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rome is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Singapore attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Rome is more touristy than Singapore and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Singapore is famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Singapore different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Singapore
Rome

Rome is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Many visitors head to Singapore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.


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

Singapore
Rome

Both Singapore and Rome offer a number of terrific 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.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Singapore or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Rome

Rome 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.

Rome is a world class party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Singapore
Rome

Both Singapore and Rome offer terrific live music venues.

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.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.


Is Singapore or Rome Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Rome

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Rome 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.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Rome Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Rome

Singapore is not so good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome 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.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Rome Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Rome

Singapore is a city with good options for the beach. However, Rome 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Rome?

Singapore
Rome

Both Singapore and Rome are terrific shopping destinations.

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.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Singapore or Rome Better for Families?

Singapore
Rome

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Singapore or Rome Better for Couples?

Singapore
Rome

Singapore is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.


Is Singapore or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Rome

Both Singapore and Rome are terrific 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 Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Is Singapore or Rome Better for Students?

Singapore
Rome

Singapore and Rome are both terrific destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students frequent Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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

Singapore
Rome

Both Singapore and Rome offer terrific public transit options.

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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Rome can take you anywhere. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.


Is Singapore or Rome a more walkable city?

Singapore
Rome

Singapore and Rome both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Rome?

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

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Rome. 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 Rome. 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.


  • How many days in Singapore or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Singapore or Rome?

Singapore is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the city of Rome. 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 Rome?

Singapore is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find live music and food around the fun-filled big city of Rome. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Singapore or Rome?

Singapore is a colorful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the ancient city of Rome. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Singapore or Rome?

Singapore is a global city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome is $185. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $98
    Rome $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $196
    Rome $194
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Rome? 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 Rome


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: Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $10
    Rome $23
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:

  • Adventure Cove Waterpark + 1 Way Transfer: $83
  • Airport Transfer: $81
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Singapore in Business Car: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Singapore in Luxury Van: $116
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore to Singapore Airport SIN in Business Car: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Singapore to Singapore Airport SIN in Luxury Van: $116
  • Amazing City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $44
  • Arrival Private Transfer Singapore Airport to Singapore City in a Business Car: $87
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Singapore Airport SIN to Singapore in Luxury Car: $154
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Singapore Airport to Singapore City by luxury vehicle: $95
  • Changi International Airport Private MPV Transfer: $149
  • City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $46

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.18
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $49
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $5.39
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport: $6.52
  • Bus Transfer Between Airport and Rome Termini Station: $6.52
  • Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport: $7.60
  • Transfer Fiumicino Airport - Rome center: $7.73
  • Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome center: $7.73
  • Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano Transfer: $8.84
  • Civitavecchia Port to/from Vatican City Bus Transfer: $16
  • Rome to Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) to Rome - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Skip the Line: Papal Audience Ticket (optional 1 way transfer): $28
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Optional Cruise Port Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome $52
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.

  • Singapore : Traditional Snacks Cooking Class: $36
  • 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: $68
  • Singapore Bike and Bites Food Tour: $69
  • Eat Snap Tour - Katong Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $73
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $75
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $76
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $82

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.25
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.35
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.88
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $34
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.18
  • Dinner
    $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $32
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $32
  • Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $32
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included in Rome: $34
  • Dinner in Carbonara,Amatriciana,Cacio&Pepe e wine tasting : $35
  • Drunken Food Tour with Dinner in Rome: $36
  • Urban Rafting Tour to Tiber Island with A Local Pizza: $39
  • Cooking Class of fresh Pasta and Tiramisu Cake: $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $32
    Rome $40

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • River Wonders Entry Ticket: $5.10
  • Singapore Street Art Hunting in Kampong Glam: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Artoholic A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • The Civic District with Singapore Boy Hossan Leong: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Big Little India: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Singapore's History of Trade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Follow the Money: A self-guided audio tour of Singapore's Financial District: $5.20
  • Kampong Glam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Singapore's Malay Culture: $5.20
  • The Civic District: Hear stories about Singapore's past on an audio tour: $5.20
  • Singapore's Stories and Histories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $5.40

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $75
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $36
  • Roma Pass
    $33
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $22
  • Segway Tour
    $82

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • PANTHEON Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.00
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.40
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.43
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Evening Walking Tour in Rome: $5.51
  • Vatican Night Tour - Rome: $5.51
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
  • 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Rome: $6.00
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $6.48

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $27
    Rome $20

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: $22
  • Little India Pub Crawl : $23
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Singapore Pub Crawl (SG Pub Crawl): $27
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $33
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl Wildest Nightlife Experience: $38
  • Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $58
  • Tiger Brewery Tour, Swim & Sunset Photo Session at Raffles Marina: $99

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.08
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.90
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $33
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $46
  • The Best Wine Tasting in Trastevere with food pairing and Gelato: $50
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $53
  • Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $54
  • Orange wine tasting : $61
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $61
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Tour & Vineyards : $65
  • Pasta Making & Wine Tasting in a Trastevere Villa: $69
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $72


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


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Rome?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Rome. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Rome, 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.