Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Shanghai?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Shanghai
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".
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Shanghai $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $117. 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 Abu Dhabi and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Shanghai $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Shanghai? 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.
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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Shanghai $3.95
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer: $19
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $27
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $31
- Private Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $31
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi city: $40
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Port to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $40
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $40
- Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi by Car or SUV: $40
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.66
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Two Subway Tickets$0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Private Transfer:From Hongqiao airport to Shanghai downtown: $14
- Shanghai International Airport (PVG/SHA) Private Transfer: $15
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Shared Transfer: from Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport private transfer to hotels downtown.: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hotels to Shanghai Cruise Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $25
- Private Transfer between Qibao Ancient Water Town and Shanghai City Area : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Abu Dhabi 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Shanghai $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dhow cruise with Buffet dinner & Burj Khalifa view in Canal: $24
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $37
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $59
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $60
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $63
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $65
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $65
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.41
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$21
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.32
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Cantelope$1.69
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Dumplings and Soup$2.11
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Duck Dinner$4.22
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Pastries$2.96
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Barbeque Dinner$9.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Aunthentic Local Food Tour in Downtown Shanghai : $32
- Evening Walking Food Tour: $69
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $72
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $88
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $99
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Art Steamed Dumplings: $110
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Shanghai $8.59
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
- Skip the Line Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket and Abu Dhabi Welcome Pass: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Yu Garden Shanghai Entry Tickets Booking: $15
- Shanghai Yu Garden Entrance Tickets Booking Service: $16
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai Jinmao Tower 88th floor Sightseeing Hall Ticket: $22
- Shanghai Jinmao Tower 88th floor sightseeing hall: $23
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai bar hopping tour in the former french concession: $29
- Zotter Chocolate Indulgence Tour in Shanghai: $30
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Shanghai $7.49
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 4-Hour Shanghai Pub Crawl (bars & nightclub hopping): $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Shanghai is in Asia, 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 Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Shanghai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, 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.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Shanghai. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
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.