Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Shanghai?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Shanghai $3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
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:
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
- Top City Highlights Tickets with Optional Transfer: $185
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $168
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen : $166
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
- Shanghai Airport to Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer: $149
- Round-trip Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $149
- Private Transfer Service For Shanghai City Tour: $139
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $135
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Shanghai $21
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 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
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 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
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option: $130
- Private Wet Market Visit with Cooking Class in Shanghai: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Shanghai $8.42
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
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:
- Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- 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
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
- 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: $229
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Shanghai $7.35
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: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Shanghai?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Islamabad or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Shanghai. 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.
In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Shanghai. Additionally, most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Shanghai can be very cold during winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.