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

Should you visit Singapore or Zurich?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Zurich? 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 Singapore is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Singapore travel costs.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums. See Zurich travel costs.

Singapore and Zurich: 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
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Singapore or Zurich?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore than Zurich, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Singapore is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Zurich is known for its nightlife 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. Zurich is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices.

How is Singapore different from Zurich?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Singapore
Zurich

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

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 Zurich specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.


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

Singapore
Zurich

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

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Zurich

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

Zurich has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich Better for Music?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good 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 Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.


Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is not a good place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Zurich 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.

Zurich is not a beach destination.


Is Singapore or Zurich Better for its Old Town?

Singapore
Zurich

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Singapore does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Singapore does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Zurich?

Singapore
Zurich

Both Singapore and Zurich are amazing 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 Zurich. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Is Singapore or Zurich More Beautiful?

Singapore
Zurich

You'll find a similar quality of superb scenery and beauty in both Singapore and Zurich.

With stunning beauty, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Zurich is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.


Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Families?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zurich 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zurich. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Couples?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Singapore. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.


Is Singapore or Zurich Better for Students?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore and Zurich are both amazing 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 Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Singapore
Zurich

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

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Singapore or Zurich a more walkable city?

Singapore
Zurich

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Zurich is a very walkable destination. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.


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

Should I spend more time in Zurich or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Zurich?

In either Singapore or Zurich, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than Zurich because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-5 days is enough time in Zurich.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Zurich. 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 Zurich. 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 Zurich 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 Zurich? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Zurich 2-5

One day in Singapore or Zurich?

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 city of Zurich. 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 Zurich?

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 historic destination of Zurich. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Zurich?

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 shopping around the liberal city of Zurich. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Singapore or Zurich?

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.

Zurich is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich or Singapore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Singapore is $179, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $364. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $101
    Zurich $197
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $202
    Zurich $394
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Zurich? 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 Zurich


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: Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $11
    Zurich $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

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


  • Taxi to Airport
    $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Attractions Shared Transfers from Hotel: $12
  • Changi Airport (SIN) Private One-Way Transfer: $23
  • Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer to Singapore/Johor Bahru: $24
  • Private Transfer: Singapore to Sentosa Island: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer in Singapore: $29
  • Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $29
  • Singapore Changi Airport: Singapore Private Airport Transfer: $30
  • Marina Bay Cruise Centre or SCC to Changi Airport Transfer: $30
  • City Experience + Roundtrip Transfers: $31
  • Private Attraction Transfers for Singapore: $31
  • Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Singapore - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Singapore Airport: Shared Arrival or Departure Car Transfer : $33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Zurich Airport Stress-Free Private Transfer: $36
  • ZRH Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $42
  • Zurich Airport ZRH Private Transfer to Zurich/Lucerne/Interlaken: $48
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $72
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $72
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
  • Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer : $81
  • Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $81
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $84
  • Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $84
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $87
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 $50
    Zurich $124
Typical Food Prices in Singapore

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.75
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.56

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: $53
  • Chinatown Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $54
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $55
  • Singapore Food Tours - Chinatown Complex Hawker: $58
  • Authentic Singapore Street Food Tour: $60
  • Plant-Based Food Tour with Local Guide: $61
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $68
  • Hawker Center Street Food Tour with Guide: $68
  • Guided Street Food Tour at Night: $74
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Hawker Culture Food Tour and Sightseeing: $75
  • Eat and Snap in Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $76

Typical Food Prices in Zurich

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


  • Breakfast for 2
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

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

  • Food Tour of 8+ Tastings with Cheeses & Chocolates: $154
  • Zurich Food Tour of 10+ Swiss Specialties w/ Cheeses & Chocolates: $156

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $34
    Zurich $41

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • Artoholic A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Follow the Money: A self-guided audio tour of Singapore's Financial District: $5.00
  • Science Center E-Ticket: $6.43
  • Peranakan Museum Admission Ticket: $6.51
  • The Civic District with Singapore Boy Hossan Leong: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Indian Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket: $7.75
  • Gardens by the Bay Bundle Entry Ticket: $7.75
  • Outdoor Audio Tour at Gardens by the Bay: $8.23
  • BikingSG Best of Take in the sights on a relaxed audio cycling tour: $8.31
  • National Orchid Garden Entry Tickets: $8.37
  • Singapore Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
  • Indian Heritage Centre Admission Ticket: $8.51

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Reading Tour: $6.29
  • Zurich Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Schaffhausen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.04
  • Zurich Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and city tour: $12
  • Swiss Finance Museum Admission Ticket: $13
  • The Dark Side of Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $13
  • Zurich in the Mirror of the Past: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $13
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour to the Dark Side of Zurich: $13
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours: $16
  • Swiss National Museum Entry Ticket: $16
  • City Walking Tour Made in Zurich: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $28
    Zurich $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

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

  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $30
  • Singapore Pub Crawl: $36
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $39
  • Brass Lion Gin Distillery Tour Ticket: $41
  • LeVeL33 Rooftop Brewery Tour & Craft Beer Tasting: $77
  • LeVeL33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge Package: $192

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour with Shots and Snacks: $38
  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Zurich?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Zurich, 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.