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

Should you visit Aqaba or Shanghai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Shanghai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Shanghai?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Aqaba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Shanghai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Shanghai $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Shanghai

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Shanghai $3.89

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Hotels: $27
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
  • Aqaba King Hussein Intl Airport to Aqaba-Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba, Jordan : $35
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport AQJ: $41
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $41

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:

  • Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport & Hongqiao Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to City Center : $30
  • Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Pudong Airport : $43
  • Tongli and Xitang Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $114
  • Arrival Private Transfer Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai City by Standard Sedan: $74
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $114
  • Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
  • Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $114
  • Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
  • Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
  • Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 5 seat standard car: $53
  • Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Shanghai?

Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $42
    Shanghai $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $70
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $72
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $88
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185

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.
    Aqaba $54
    Shanghai $8.48

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • 3 hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $35
  • 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
  • Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
  • Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
  • Mosaic Art Experience: $39
  • Half day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum incl. water and Bedouin tea: $40

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:

  • The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $9.00
  • Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $13
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
  • Shanghai Yu Garden Tour:Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
  • Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
  • Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
  • Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
  • Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
  • Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
  • Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port to Hongqiao Airport:Private with Meet service: $40
  • Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    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 Aqaba and Shanghai, we can see that Aqaba 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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Shanghai. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Shanghai 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Shanghai 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Spring?

Both Shanghai and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

Aqaba is much warmer than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Aqaba

Aqaba Shanghai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)