Shanghai is a trendy port city known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Shanghai that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Shanghai?
You should plan to spend around $130 (¥944) per day on your vacation in Shanghai. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $37 (¥268) on meals
- $3.85 (¥28) on local transportation
- $161 (¥1,172) on hotels
A one week trip to Shanghai for two people costs, on average, $1,817 (¥13,216). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$909
¥6,608
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,817
¥13,216
-
One Month
Per person
$3,895
¥28,320
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,817
¥13,216
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,635
¥26,432
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,789
¥56,640
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Shanghai cost?
A one week trip to Shanghai usually costs around $909 (¥6,608) for one person and $1,817 (¥13,216) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Shanghai on average costs around $1,817 (¥13,216) for one person and $3,635 (¥26,432) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Shanghai will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Shanghai on average costs around $3,895 (¥28,320) for one person and $7,789 (¥56,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Shanghai expensive to visit?
Shanghai is a grand port city that offers an exciting lineup of activities. Travelers of all kinds, from budget-conscious to high rollers, come here to make unforgettable memories. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Shanghai can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $49 (¥356) per day, mid-range travelers spend $130 (¥944) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $368 (¥2,677) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Shanghai.
Within Asia, Shanghai is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Shanghai is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Shanghai Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Shanghai?
The average Shanghai trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Shanghai travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Shanghai cost?
Shanghai on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$28
(¥205)
|
$81
(¥586)
|
$256
(¥1,861)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(¥11)
|
$4
(¥28)
|
$10
(¥73)
|
|
Food2
|
$15
(¥109)
|
$37
(¥268)
|
$87
(¥635)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(¥23)
|
$8
(¥61)
|
$24
(¥173)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-4
(¥11-32)
|
$4-11
(¥27-80)
|
$9-28
(¥67-200)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Shanghai on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $49 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Shanghai has plenty of hostels available, like Dayin Hostel - Shanghai East Nanjing Road, WeFlow Hostel(Shanghai Xintiandi), and Dayin Hostel - Shanghai Jing'an. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal. Lastly, the port city offers an effective public transit system, enabling budget travelers to sidestep expensive taxis or rideshares. While food is a highlight for many in Shanghai, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to Shanghai to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $130 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $368 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the port city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Shanghai
The price of hotels in Shanghai can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $, while peak summer season averages can reach $. Prices range from $ to $, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Shanghai for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $161 (¥1,172). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 (¥586) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Shanghai is an extensive port city, presenting a diverse range of lodging options. From hostels like Dayin Hostel - Shanghai East Nanjing Road to vacation rentals and high-end hotels, there's plenty to choose from. Staying closer to the city center may mean higher rates, but you'll enjoy convenient access to public transportation and attractions.
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the port city in Shanghai thanks to a great public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
Shanghai is a great destination for families, and if you're traveling with kids, an apartment with extra space might be ideal. It's a large city, so the rooms might be on the smaller side and feel a bit cramped.
If you plan to stay a week in Shanghai, consider a vacation rental with a kitchen. It's a practical way to prepare some meals yourself during your visit.
By skipping summer and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Exploring Shanghai by foot is a favorite activity for many, so it's wise to find a centrally located place to stay. Just be aware that this may cost more.
Transportation Budget in Shanghai
In a large port city like Shanghai, transportation is essential, but the public transit system makes getting around easy. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable. For the best value, stick to public transit, but taxis and rideshares are always an option for convenience.
Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $3.85 (¥28) per person, per day, on local transportation in Shanghai. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Shanghai is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$3.85
¥28
Furthering its image as a modern Asian city, Shanghai is served by many fast moving bullet trains. It's airport is connected by bullet train to the city center, as are many cities that are not far away.
If you're planning to stay in Shanghai for several days then it is worth purchasing th Shanghai Jiaotong Card. This is a prepaid card that works on the city's buses, metros and taxis. The cards are available at metro stations as well as convenience stores.
The city's metro has 14 lines with additional lines under construction. The system is constantly growing to meet the changing needs of the city. It is a fast and affordable way to get around and announcements are done in both Mandarin and English so it is relatively easy to navigate. It can get crowded during rush hour.
The bus system is cheap and comprehensive. It is slower than the metro but travels to areas that are not accessible by subway. There are English announcements on most buses.
Taxis are available all over the city. Most drivers don't speak English so it is helpful to have your address, or the nearest intersection written down. Make sure your driver uses the meter during your trip.
There is a ferry that runs between the Bund and Lujiazui financial district. It is a cheap way to cross the river and the ferry is air conditioned. The boats run every ten minutes and take five minutes to cross the river.
If you're going to rely on public transportation a lot, multi-day transit passes can help you save quite a bit of cash.
Be mindful of pickpockets on buses and trains, as well as in the stations. Shanghai is a large city, so it's wise to stay vigilant.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Shanghai Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer for $66 details
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Disneyland and City Hotel for $35 details
- Pudong airport one way transfer to or from hotel in shanghai downtown for $46 details
How much does it cost to go to Shanghai? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Shanghai will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Listed below are some transit expenses in Shanghai, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.
-
Taxi Ride
¥26
-
Two Subway Tickets
¥6.00
Food Budget in Shanghai
The cuisine available in Shanghai is nothing short of world-class, so don't miss it. Take the time to visit local restaurants and sample some specialty dishes. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Shanghai can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Shanghai is $37 (¥268) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$37
¥268
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Shanghai is around $37 (¥268) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $87. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Shanghai are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $6 to $15
- Dinner: $11 to $26
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Shanghai's cuisine is world renowned and it has some of the best street food in the country. Food preparation in Shanghai focuses on freshness and flavor. Food is often sweet and sour with very rich flavors. Fish, shrimp, eel, chicken, and crab are all typical ingredients in dishes. Shanghai soup dumplings are perhaps one of the best local specialties, but don't skip the street barbecue, roasted duck, or other delicacies you'll find around town.
Dining at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner can help you save money. Many restaurants in touristy areas or business hubs provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' Often, these options are simply smaller and more affordable versions of their dinner menus. If you play your cards right, you could enjoy a full multi-course gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Then, you can keep it light for dinner.
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Shanghai, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip from Shanghai with Lunch and Dinner for $284 details
- Eat Like a Local Shanghai Breakfast Food Tour for $79 details
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno for $150 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Shanghai, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Shanghai
It's no wonder that so many visitors make their way to Shanghai for its museums and attractions, food, romance, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Shanghai typically cost an average of $8.39 (¥61) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.39
¥61
There are many sights in Shanghai, but much of the fun comes from simply walking around the changing neighborhoods. A quick visit to the city's Urban Planning Museum gives you a little insight into how quickly it is developing and redeveloping. Other places of interest include the Yuyuan Gardens, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Jing'an Temple, Chenghuang and Longhua Temple, and Zhujiajiao Water Town.
There is no shortage of activities that you can enjoy in Shanghai. Check out the opera, theatre, and music or art scenes to see how Shanghai has embraced its cultural history. If you delve a little deeper, you will find that Shanghai has much more to it than just a glitzy surface. Take advantage of the hole in the wall restaurants where you can try any number of specialties. Head to the international university area where you might be able to get yourself a good deal on a computer or some software. Wander through any of the public parks that dot the city. You'll find residents participating in some impromptu karaoke. There's so much to Shanghai beyond the Bund and Jing Mao Tower (although, these are not to be missed as well).
This dynamic city is also a great destination for the whole family. Activities for kids in Shanghai include Disneyland, night cruises on the river, the markets and bazaars, the zoo, and more.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Shanghai are some of the most famous in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Shanghai. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Shanghai Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession for $77 details
- Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option for $144 details
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Jewish Ghetto and Shanghai Bund for $90 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Shanghai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Shanghai
While Shanghai offers some nightlife options, they aren't as bustling as those in other more popular locations. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.32 (¥53) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Shanghai per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.32
¥53
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Shanghai. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- 4-Hour Shanghai Pub Crawl (bars & nightclub hopping) for $23 details
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 25, 2025
Traveling in Shanghai
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
That doesn't mean that Shanghai and its citizens aren't holding tight to some long held traditions. Culture remains a major part of daily life in Shanghai. The city is also a center for arts and culture. From the city's cuisine to its theater and music scene, there is no shortage of entertainment and activities that you can enjoy.
Shanghai's climate is considered humid subtropical. The summer temperatures can reach the high 90's Fahrenheit with a high level of humidity. Thunderstorms are also quite common during the summer months. The typhoon season is between July and September but they are generally uncommon. Winter temperatures rarely climb above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and often drop below freezing at night. Snow is rare but the humidity can make the temperature feel much colder than it actually is.
Neighborhoods & Around
Shanghai is divided into two parts by the Huangpu River. Puxi is the area west of the river and Pudong is east of the river. Puxi is the older, more central part of the city and Pudong has more modern, high rise development. The inner districts in Puxi include the Bund, Changning, French Concession, Hongkou, Huangpu, Jing'an District, the Old City, Putuo, Yangpu, and Zhabei. Pudong has the disticts of Chongming, Pudong and Zhujiajiao. There are also the western suburbs of Baoshan, Jiading, Qingpu, Northern Songjiang, and Western Minhang as well as the southern suburbs of Jinshan, Fengxian, Southern Songjiang and Eastern Minhang.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
We stay in hostels whenever we visit Shanghai. We also love doing our own food tours and sampling the many local dishes and street food around town.