You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun. At Skyscanner, we believe discovering the world should be accessible to all, no matter the budget. We’ve analysed our most-searched city break destinations and found better value-for-money options. Here are three alternative destinations for a week on a budget to keep your bank balance happy without missing out on any adventure.
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1. Where to go instead of San Francisco: Lisbon, Portugal
Imagine a coastal city with panoramic views, a thriving arts scene, and an iconic suspension bridge. While San Francisco comes to the top of mind for many travellers, there is a lot to love about Lisbon. Both cities whisk their residents up steep storied streets by tram, cable car, and funicular. Art dating decades (or centuries) back colours the walls of buildings, as does fresh paint from local street artists in Lisbon. Like its twin city, an escape to the sea is never far away. A half-hour drive or one-hour train ride will bring you to the beach town of Cascais.
Unless you have a keen eye for transportation architecture, a close-up view of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is nearly a dead ringer for Lisbon’s Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. Both are six-lane suspension bridges spanning over 2,200 metres long, though San Fran’s is slightly longer.
When it comes to food, accommodation, and activities, a trip to Lisbon is about 50% cheaper than a similar one in San Francisco. Lisbon also has an active LGBTQ community, with Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Principe Real being three of the thriving neighbourhoods. And if you’re searching for delicious Chinese fare, keep a look out for the small signs in Chinese around Martim Moniz, Lisbon’s Chinatown–it’s often where the best food is found. Reminiscent of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Lisbon doles out fresh seafood in its Time Out Market and along Mercado da Ribeira.
How much does a week in Lisbon cost compared to San Francisco?
The cost of living in San Francisco is notoriously pricey thanks to its proximity to California’s tech hub.
A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $20 in Lisbon compared to around $40 in San Francisco.
For accommodation, a three-star stay runs about $100 per night in Lisbon, whereas you’ll be paying $240 per night for a similar stay in San Francisco. Day tours to surrounding cities are about 25% more expensive in San Francisco, so you can do more with less in Lisbon.
2. Where to go instead of Singapore: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
There are few experiences more glamourous than sipping a cocktail at an altitude bar while gazing out over a dazzling skyline below. Singapore might be a shining example of a big city, but you won’t want to sleep in Kuala Lumpur. Singapore’s highlights of skyscrapers like the Marina Bay Sands, hawkers markets, botanical gardens, and museums are surely hard to top, but Kuala Lumpur does its best. The Petronas Towers are an impressive sight to behold once the lights flick on at night (and a fruitful place to shop during the day).
Head to the top of Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower (421 metres high) for panoramic views, wander manicured paths of Perdana Botanical Garden, enjoy satay sensations at Pasar Malam Taman Connaught night market, and take a day trip to walk up the colourful steps leading to Batu Caves to see a Hindu temple tucked inside a limestone cave.
While there are certainly great deals to be found in Singapore, it is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. The Economist Intelligence Unit placed it in second place in 2021, just behind Paris. Food and drinks tend to be affordable, but accommodations easily tick into the high triple digits per night. Meanwhile, the cost of living in Kuala Lumpur is relatively low compared to other metropolises, and hotels offer great value for money. Flight times and airline ticket prices to both cities are similar, so expect to start saving once you touch down on the tarmac.
How much does a week in Kuala Lumpur compared to Singapore?
Flights from Australia to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are roughly the same price. Overall, Singapore is about 50-60% more expensive than Kuala Lumpur when it comes to the cost of living. Expect to pay around $20 per meal in Singapore and $8 for a similar meal in Kuala Lumpur. Aside from flights, 72 hours in Kuala, including hotels, could cost as little as $250 per person for a trip that would cost about $500 per person in Singapore, including meals, activities, and accommodation.
3. Where to go instead of Hawaii: Cebu, Philippines
Honolulu is the hub of the Hawaiian Islands, famous for its laid-back beach culture, sunny days, scenic hiking trails, and hip nightlife. Unfortunately, this piece of paradise comes at a high price point, with the U.S. dollar being as strong as it is compared to Aussie cash. The island of Oahu is also currently working on a way to manage overtourism from the heavy influx of tourists it receives each year.
Why not set your sights on the island of Cebu? Flights to this island escape are typically cheaper than flights to Hawaii, and there are plenty of adventurous things to do once you’re there. Get misted at the island’s Kabutongan Waterfall, a cascade hidden in a lush forest with blue water pools to cool off in. If that’s not enough, there are tens (if not hundreds) of waterfalls and hiking trails to explore on the island.
Honolulu is known for its dive scene, and Cebu is a worthy rival. Take the plunge and scuba dive near Cebu’s iconic sites. With Cebu as your hub, blow bubbles near the sardine schools of Moalboal, search for sharks in Malapascua, fin through the 30-metre tunnel of Gato Island, or just head out for a snorkel from Mactan.
In the city, Fort San Petro, the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu and Magellan’s Cross beckon travellers who have a penchant for historical sights. When your stomach grumbles, Cebu City’s foodie scene ranges from street eats to fine dining, much like Honolulu.
How much does a week in Cebu cost compared to Honolulu?
The Philippines is known for being a budget-friendly destination, and the island of Cebu is no exception. While a full-day excursion on Oahu might cost around $80-100 per person per day, a similar trip in Cebu will run around $30. Accommodation and food are where you’ll really save big bucks. A five-star stay in Cebu can cost as little as $90 per night, compared to $500+ per night in Honolulu. If you have a budget of around $500 in Cebu, you’ll be able to go all-in on accommodation, dining, and things to do.
