Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Belgrade?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Belgrade or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Belgrade and Shanghai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Belgrade or Shanghai?
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital city of the Republic of Serbia. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, is has seen many changes from Celtic tribes at its earliest beginnings to Roman rule, the Ottoman Empire, and Serbian independence. Relics of its past can be seen today in Belgrade's architecture and museums, while there are also a host of contemporary activities like nightlife, clubs, cafes, and concerts.
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 Serbia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade, 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 dayBelgrade $45Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Belgrade is $45, 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 Belgrade and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBelgrade $30Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBelgrade $60Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Belgrade and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Belgrade 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: Belgrade Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Belgrade $5.60Shanghai $3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belgrade
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belgrade:
- Bus Transfer Between Airport and Slavija Square: $3.67
- Private Limo Transfer from Beograd Airport to any location: $39
- Airport Transfer in Belgrade, Serbia: $39
- Belgrade airport transfer: $46
- Champs Limo Belgrade Serbia Private Transfers: $48
- Nikola Tesla Airport Private Transfer: $53
- Nikola Tesla BEG airport-private airport transfer: $75
- Private Airport Transfer: $85
- Private transfer tour from Belgrade to Timisoara with sightseeing: $88
- Belgrade and Avala Mountain Full Day Layover Tour with Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer from Belgrade Airport (BEG) to Šabac: $98
- Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel: $107
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$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Departure Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Yiwu Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $20
- Yiwu Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Belgrade or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Belgrade 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 dayBelgrade $9.30Shanghai $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belgrade
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belgrade.
- E-Scooter Serbian Food Tour: $66
- Folklore night in Belgrade with dinner: $70
- Private Walking and Food Tour in Belgrade: $71
- E-Scooter Serbian Food Tour: $75
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.18
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.14
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.83
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 Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Chinese Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Belgrade $4.52Shanghai $8.42
Tours and Activities in Belgrade
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belgrade are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Family Centar Sremska Mitrovica -Playroom for kids: $1.10
- Capture Belgrade:Audio Walking Tour in the Heart of the City: $3.19
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Jack The Ripper Skip-the-Line Ticket in Belgrade: $3.29
- Belgrade City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Self-Guided City Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.46
- Sightseeing by open top bus: $14
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
- Saint Sava Temple guided tour: $16
- Walking Tour in Belgrade: $16
- Underground Tour with Glass of Wine: $16
- Yugoslavia Communist tour: $16
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: $7.99
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- 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
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBelgrade $21Shanghai $7.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Belgrade
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belgrade:
- RE:PLAY Pub Crawl Belgrade: $44
- Play Pub Crawl Belgrade: $49
- RePlay Pub Crawl in Belgrade: $53
- E-Scooter CRAFT BEER and BREWERY Tour: $54
- Natural wine tasting with great views: $55
- Tour of the MONASTERIES at Fruška Gora NP and Sremski Karlovci with wine tasting: $55
- Belgrade Bar Crawl: $55
- Pearl of North Serbia, trip to Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci with wine tasting: $60
- Private Wine Tasting by Party in Belgrade: $71
- Novi Sad and Sremski Karlovci private tour with wine tasting: $76
- 3-Hour Walking Local Wine Tasting Tour: $81
- Northern Serbia: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting in a cellar : $82
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl - Bar-hopping/Night life tour: $27
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belgrade and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Belgrade much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belgrade is in Europe 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 Belgrade would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Belgrade 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Belgrade.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belgrade Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Belgrade or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Belgrade. When comparing the sizes of Belgrade 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 Belgrade or Shanghai?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Belgrade or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Belgrade are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Belgrade is generally cooler than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Belgrade average around 23°C (73°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Belgrade. Belgrade usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Belgrade gets 285 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, Belgrade usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Belgrade gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBelgrade 23°C (73°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Belgrade or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Belgrade during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Belgrade is cooler than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belgrade averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Belgrade often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Belgrade gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Belgrade usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Belgrade gets 40 mm (1.6 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 OctoberBelgrade 14°C (57°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Belgrade or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belgrade and Shanghai. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Shanghai can be very cold during winter. Belgrade can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Belgrade is much colder than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belgrade in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Belgrade usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Belgrade gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Belgrade usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Belgrade gets 49 mm (1.9 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 JanuaryBelgrade 2°C (35°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Belgrade or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Belgrade as well as Shanghai. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Belgrade is generally around the same temperature as Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Belgrade average around 14°C (56°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Belgrade often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Belgrade gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Belgrade usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Belgrade gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBelgrade 14°C (56°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Belgrade
| Belgrade | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (56°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (47°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 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.