A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Singapore vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Singapore or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Singapore or Milford Sound? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music. See Singapore travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Singapore and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 for skiing
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Singapore or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore. Although Singapore and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Singapore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Singapore is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Singapore is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Singapore different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is notable for snow skiing. However, Singapore is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Singapore is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Singapore or Milford Sound?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.


Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Music?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a live music destination.

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is not a good area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is a good destination for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Singapore
Milford Sound

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

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Singapore is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Singapore or Milford Sound?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Singapore or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Singapore is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.


Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Singapore or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Singapore is top-notch. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.


Is Singapore or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Singapore
Milford Sound

Singapore is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Singapore?

How long in Singapore or Milford Sound?

Singapore and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Singapore than Milford Sound because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Singapore, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Singapore than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound? Ideal Length of Stay
    Singapore 2-7 
    Milford Sound 2-6

One day in Singapore or Milford Sound?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find skiing around the fiord of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find skiing around the remote destination of Milford Sound. 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 fiord has to offer. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Singapore or Milford Sound?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find skiing around the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer.

A week in Singapore or Milford Sound?

Singapore is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound is $141. 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 Milford Sound in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Singapore $101
    Milford Sound $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Singapore $202
    Milford Sound $134
Compare Hotels in Singapore and Milford Sound

Looking for a hotel in Singapore or Milford Sound? 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 Milford Sound


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Singapore $11
    Milford Sound $14
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:

  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer service in Singapore HTL-APT (SIN): $39
  • Transfer to Zoo/Night Safari/Bird Paradise/Rainforest Asia: $233
  • Small Group Full Day Singapore City Tour with Roundtrip Transfers: $280
  • SIN Private Airport Transfer with Meet & Greet: $49
  • Cruise Terminal to City Private Transfer: $40
  • City Transfer to Airport/Seaport Terminal: $54
  • Changi Airport to/from Hotel Private Transfer: $29
  • Changi Airport (SIN) Private One-Way Transfer: $23
  • Attractions Shared Transfers from Hotel: $12
  • Airport/Seaport Transfer with Arrival Meet&Greet: $85
  • Airport Transfer Within Your Budget: $58
  • Singapore to Tioman island (Mersing jetty) - Private Transfer: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Singapore or Milford Sound?

Prices for flights to both Milford Sound 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
    Milford Sound $58
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Singapore $34
    Milford Sound $38

Tours and Activities in Singapore

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

  • Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for Observation Deck Ticket singapore: $40
  • Private Singapore Tour: Bus and Car Transportation: $200
  • Singapore Early Migrants Tour: $140
  • Singapore River Cruise Tour Ticket Pass: $29
  • #16Hrs Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $143
  • (Small Group) Night Wonders of Cruise & Light Shows: $79
  • (Small Group) Starry Night Singapore Sentosa Tour : $119
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 2 Pax Bundle Singapore River Cruise and Stunning Light Shows: $70
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $256
  • 3h Chinatown, Little India,Arab Street SPANISH Walking Tour: $81
  • 3h Historical Civic District & Marina Bay Walking Tour: $68

Tours and Activities in Milford Sound

For Milford Sound, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli + Earnslaw Burn Landing | 5hr: $974

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Singapore $28
    Milford Sound $13

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Singapore or Milford Sound?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 8160 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Singapore and Milford Sound, 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.