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

Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Cairo 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 Cairo 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: Cairo or Shanghai?

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

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".

Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Cairo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $27, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $116. 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 Cairo and Shanghai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $14
    Shanghai $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $28
    Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Shanghai

Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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 Cairo


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: Cairo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $4.58
    Shanghai $3.93
Typical Local Transportation prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.13
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Cairo or Giza Hotels to Cairo Airport: $5.00
  • Private Transfer to Cairo and Giza from Cairo Airport: $5.60
  • Private Arrival or Departure Cairo Airport Transfer: $9.50
  • Private Transfer from Cairo City to Cairo Airport: $10
  • Private Airport Transfer to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $10
  • Cairo Airport Transfer by private car: $10
  • Cairo Airport Arrival or departure transfer in Private Van : $10
  • Private transfer and pickup from Cairo Airport to Hotels: $10
  • Private Cairo Airport Transfers & Limousine to Anywhere in Cairo or vice versa: $10
  • Private Transfer From Cairo Airport To A Hotel In Giza And Pyramids Area: $10
  • Private Transfer From Cairo Airport To A Hotel In Down Town: $10
  • Private Giza and Cairo Transfers from and to Cairo Airport : $10

Typical Local Transportation prices in Shanghai

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.64
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $108
  • 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
  • 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
  • 3 Days Shanghai Suzhou Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $555
  • 3-Day All-inclusive Private Shanghai Tour with Airport Transfer: $947
  • 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $113
  • Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
  • Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Shanghai?

Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Cairo 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
    Cairo $7.28
    Shanghai $22
Typical Food prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    $0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

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

  • Unusual Cairo Food Tour : $15
  • Delicious food tour in Cairo: $15
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile with Private Transfer from Cairo: $16
  • Family Safari, ATV Quad Bike, Buggy, Dinner, Transfer - Hurghada: $16
  • 2-Hour Nile River Night Dinner Cruise from Cairo: $16
  • Super Safari ATV , Drive Buggy Car, Camel Ride, Dinner, Show-Hurghada: $19
  • Dinner Cruise Cairo With Belly Dancer Show in The Nile River: $20
  • Food Tour in Local Cairo Life with Egyptian tea: $22
  • Quad Bike ATV Camel Ride Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $23
  • Romantic Nile View Dinner: $23
  • Private Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Tour with Dinner at Nile Cruise: $24
  • local oriental food tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $24

Typical Food prices in Shanghai

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


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.40
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $20
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.29
  • Cantelope
    $1.68
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.10
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.20
  • Pastries
    $2.94
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $8.97

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 Handmade Noodles 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
  • Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
  • Private Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with Vegetarian Option: $69
  • Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local: $70
  • 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: $70
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $77

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.82
    Shanghai $8.55
Typical Entertainment prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $1.29
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $9.96

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • Cairo Shopping Tour.: $5.00
  • Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Perfume, Bazar Cotton Shop : $5.00
  • Discover Ancient Wonders Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $8.00
  • Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Day Tour : $8.00
  • Private Tour to the Egyptian Museum and tour to the famous old arts of Egypt: $9.00
  • Private tour to The Mosque of Muhammad Ali: $9.00
  • Private Tour to old Islamic Cairo and the old famous arts: $9.00
  • Private tour to Al-Rifa'i Mosque: $9.00
  • Giza Pyramids , Sphinx ,Saqqara and Memphis Private Tour: $10
  • Private Cairo shopping tour to real papyrus museum Lotus oil factory jewelries: $10
  • Cairo Half day tours to Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $10
  • Half Day Private Tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx: $10

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
  • Skip the Line: Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $13
  • Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
  • Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
  • Shanghai Like a Local: Customized Private 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
  • Haipai Culture Tour｜Shanghai's Past, Present & Future On One Road: $43
  • Skip the Line: Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.80
    Shanghai $7.46

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $54

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

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.

Which is Bigger, Cairo or Shanghai?

Shanghai is bigger, and its population is about 89% larger than the population of Cairo. When comparing the population of Cairo vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Cairo or Shanghai?

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

Should I visit Cairo or Shanghai in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cairo is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cairo in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Cairo gets 350 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, Cairo usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Shanghai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Shanghai. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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.

In October, Cairo is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 23°C (73°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Shanghai 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shanghai can be very cold during winter. Cairo is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Cairo or Shanghai in the Spring?

Both Shanghai and Cairo during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cairo is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cairo in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Cairo gets 276 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. Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Cairo

Cairo Shanghai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 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)


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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Tehran vs. Cairo
Tehran vs. Shanghai
Zanzibar vs. Cairo
Zanzibar vs. Shanghai
Nairobi vs. Cairo
Nairobi vs. Shanghai
Kampala vs. Cairo
Kampala vs. Shanghai
Amman vs. Cairo
Amman vs. Shanghai
Santorini vs. Cairo
Santorini vs. Shanghai
Mykonos vs. Cairo
Mykonos vs. Shanghai
Athens vs. Cairo
Athens vs. Shanghai
Beirut vs. Cairo
Beirut vs. Shanghai
Jerusalem vs. Cairo
Jerusalem vs. Shanghai
Doha vs. Cairo
Doha vs. Shanghai
Dubai vs. Cairo
Dubai vs. Shanghai
Abu Dhabi vs. Cairo
Abu Dhabi vs. Shanghai
Tel Aviv vs. Cairo
Tel Aviv vs. Shanghai
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Cairo vs. Shanghai Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.