Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Amman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Amman or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Shanghai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Amman or Shanghai?
Amman
Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Amman Prices
Jordan PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAmman $135Shanghai $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $139. 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 Amman and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAmman $49Shanghai $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAmman $98Shanghai $174
Compare Hotels in Amman and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Amman 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: Amman Hotel Prices and Shanghai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Amman $24Shanghai $4.14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:
-
Bus Ride (for Two)$0.71
-
RIde to Airport$28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman
Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Amman Queen Alia Airport: Bus Transfer from/to Amman North: $7.79
- Amman Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $20
- Private Airport Transfer from Amman: $22
- Amman Airport Transfer Pickup/Drop-Off: $22
- Airport Transfer To and From Amman: $23
- Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations: $24
- Amman hotels to Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- From Amman :Private transfer to Airport, Dead Sea and Petra.: $26
- From Amman :Private transfer to Airport, Dead Sea and Petra: $26
- Amman Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
- Amman Airport: Private Transfer to/from Amman Hotels: $27
- Amman Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
-
Taxi Ride$3.84
-
Two Subway Tickets$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! : $23
- Zhujiajiao Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $75
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Water Town Private Transfer Service from Shanghai: $106
- Yiwu City Private Transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport: $74
- Yiwu Airport Private Transfer, airport pick up drop off services: $20
- Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai with Private Transfer: $100
- Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Pudong Airport Private Transfer: $95
- Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Port Transfer: $87
- Wusongkou Cruise Terminal Share Transfer Service, Baoshan Port Pick up Service: $30
- Wusongkou Cruise Terminal Shanghai Disney Private Transfer: $55
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in ShangHai HTL-APT (PVG,SHA): $51
- Transfer from hotels to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Amman 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 dayAmman $58Shanghai $40
Typical Food Prices in Amman
For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Pastries$4.23
-
Tea$5.64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman
For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- private cooking with local chef: $40
- Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $80
- Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
- The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
- Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $107
- Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
-
Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
-
Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
-
Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.68
-
Cantelope$1.77
-
Dumplings and Soup$2.21
-
Duck Dinner$4.43
-
Pastries$3.10
-
Barbeque Dinner$9.45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Shanghai Xiaolongbao Cooking Class with Instructor: $75
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Amman $32Shanghai $9.01
Tours and Activities in Amman
For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Amman Private City Tour with Local Lunch: $20
- Amman Old and New Private City Tour: $20
- Amman by Night Private Tour: $20
- Seven Sleepers Cave and King Abdullah Mosque Private Tour: $20
- Amman Private City Tour with Local Mansaf Lunch: $20
- Day or Night Walking Tour in Downtown With Local: $25
- Full Day Amman Private City Tour: $30
- Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Ma'in Private Guided Tour: $30
- Petra Madaba and Mount Nebo Private Guided Tour: $30
- Madaba Mount Nebo Baptism and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $30
- Amman and Seven Sleepers Cave Private Tour: $35
- Amman Madaba and Mount Nebo Private Tour: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
-
30 Minute River Cruise for Two$30
-
Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $198
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour (Departure from Shanghai): $240
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road: $190
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden,the Bund & Huangpu River Cruise: $213
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town,Nanjing Road and the Bund: $221
- 1-Day Private Tour to Suzhou from Shanghai: $272
- 1-Day Shanghai Tour to Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple: $224
- 13 day private tour : Splendid China+ important highlights: $4,106
- 1h Chinese Ink Art Experience: Calligraphy & Painting in Shanghai: $52
- 2-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai and Suzhou Private Tour: $300
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAmman $14Shanghai $7.86
Sample the Local Flavors in Amman
Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting: $127
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Bar Crawl: TCM Cocktails & Local Craft Beer: $89
When comparing the travel costs between Amman and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Amman is in Middle East and Shanghai is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Amman or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amman. When comparing the sizes of Amman 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 Amman or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Amman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Amman or Shanghai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Amman as well as Shanghai. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Amman is cooler than Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the summer, Amman often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Amman usually gets less rain in July than Shanghai. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAmman 25°C (77°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Amman or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Amman is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Amman in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Amman usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAmman 20°C (68°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Amman or Shanghai in the Winter?
Both Shanghai and Amman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Amman is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 8°C (46°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Amman often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually gets more rain in January than Shanghai. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAmman 8°C (46°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Amman or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Amman is around the same temperature as Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Amman usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAmman 16°C (61°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Amman
| Amman | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.