A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Shanghai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $110, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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 person
    Amman $49
    Shanghai $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Shanghai $162
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.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Shanghai


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Shanghai $3.89
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: $6.19
  • Amman Airport private Transfers From/To multi destinations : $24
  • From Amman :Private transfer to Airport, Dead Sea and Petra.: $25
  • Amman Airport: Private Transfer to Amman Hotels: $27
  • Private Transfer from / to Amman Airport to Amman Hotel: $28
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel : $28
  • Private QAIA Airport Transfer to Amman : $30
  • Amman Airport Private Luxury Transfer To Amman, Jordan: $35
  • Amman Airport Transfer to any Amman Hotel: $35
  • Private Transfer: From Amman City to Airport: $36
  • Airport Transfer to Any Hotel In Amman: $37
  • Amman Queen Alia Airport (AMM) to Amman hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.61
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Self-Guide 10-Hour Private Transfer Tour: $138
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Water Town Private Transfer Service from Shanghai : $103
  • Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
  • Yiwu Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $20
  • Yiwu Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $20
  • Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai with Private Transfer: $100
  • Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Transfer from Shanghai: $132
  • Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal-Downtown Hotel Private One Way Transfer: $28
  • Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Port Transfer: $87
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Shanghai APT-HTL (PVG,SHA): $51
  • Transfer From City to Shanghai Pudong Airport (English Driver): $68
  • Tongli Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $88

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 day
    Amman $34
    Shanghai $22
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:

  • Amman:Home resturant lunch and dinner: $37
  • Private Day or Night Amman Sightseeing - Optional Cooking or Wine Tasting Tour : $51
  • 3 course dinner with a sommelier: $56
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience : $109
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Wine Experience : $173

Typical Food Prices in Shanghai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.39
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $20
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.22
  • Cantelope
    $1.67
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.08
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.17
  • Pastries
    $2.92
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $8.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.

  • Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
  • 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Steamed Colorful Dumplings: $70
  • 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
  • 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $71
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $77
  • Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
  • Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
  • Shanghai Spicy Food Tour: $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Shanghai $8.48

Tours and Activities in Amman

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

  • the apple bottom jeans experience 3: $1.14
  • Discover the hidden gems of Amman's Rainbow street on a self-guided audio tour: $5.00
  • JR The Wine Experience: $26
  • Full Day Amman Private City Tour: $35
  • Amman Shooping Tour: $35
  • Private Sightseeing City Tour: $40
  • Half Day Private Tour to Iraq al-Amir (Qasr al-‘Abed): $40
  • History & Culture Immersion, City Tour Of Amman : $43
  • Amman : Must-See attractions Private walking tour: $43
  • From Private Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais Tour: $49
  • Private Walking Tour in Amman With Local: $49
  • Half Day Private tour to Dead Sea From Amman. : $50

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
    $28
  • Zoo for Two
    $14

Tours and Activities in Shanghai

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

  • Half-Day Private Tour of Shanghai Bund with River Cruise or Tower View: $90
  • Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
  • Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
  • Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
  • Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
  • Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
  • 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
  • 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
  • 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
  • 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
  • 1 day Shanghai to Suzhou Garden Mini Group tour: $116

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Shanghai $7.40

Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai

Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255


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 July
    Amman 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 October
    Amman 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 January
    Amman 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 April
    Amman 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)