Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Jerusalem?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Jerusalem or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem or Shanghai?
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.
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 Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Jerusalem Prices
Israel PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJerusalem $165Shanghai $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $165, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $140. 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 Jerusalem and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJerusalem $81Shanghai $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJerusalem $162Shanghai $174
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jerusalem $8.46Shanghai $4.14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Local Bus$3.99
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Light Rail Jerusalem$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem to/from Tel Aviv City - Private Intercity Transfers-: $78
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
- Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $86
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (Arrival/Departure) Intercity Transfers: $100
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
- Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
- Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
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$3.84
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Two Subway Tickets$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Private Transfers to/from Shanghai Pudong Airport(PVG): $16
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $18
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $18
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Shanghai City to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Hotels Transfer: $24
- Shanghai Airport One Way Arrival and Departure Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area: $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Jerusalem 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 dayJerusalem $69Shanghai $40
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Orange Juice$3.38
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Watermelon$5.07
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Lunch$15
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Food at Market$19
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Juice$3.38
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Bagels$10
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Lunch for 2$18
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Snacks$7.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.
- Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
- Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
- Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $230
- The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.69
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Cantelope$1.77
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Dumplings and Soup$2.22
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Duck Dinner$4.43
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Pastries$3.10
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Barbeque Dinner$9.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.49
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $28
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Market to Table Chinese Cooking Experience: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jerusalem $11Shanghai $9.02
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Cooking Classes for 2$43
Tours and Activities in Jerusalem
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:
- Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
- Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
- Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
- Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
- Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
- Jerusalem Old City Half-Day Tour: $39
- Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
- Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
- Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall: $50
- Jerusalem Mount of Olives Tour: $55
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$30
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Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.49
- Shanghai Evolution Free Walking Tour: $4.00
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $4.00
- Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.88
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $10
- Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More: $10
- Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking: $11
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $12
- Shanghai Double Decker Sightseeing Bus: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJerusalem $20Shanghai $7.87
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:
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Beer$6.08
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 (Guided Bar Hopping) with Shots Included: $26
- Shanghai Bar Crawl Craft Beers and TCM Cocktails: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jerusalem and Shanghai, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East 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 Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem than you might in Shanghai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Jerusalem or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Jerusalem is cooler than Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Jerusalem in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 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, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyJerusalem 23°C (73°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Jerusalem during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, 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 October, Jerusalem is generally around the same temperature as Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 19°C (66°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 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 OctoberJerusalem 19°C (66°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, 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. Jerusalem is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryJerusalem 8°C (46°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Jerusalem or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Shanghai. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the spring, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Jerusalem in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilJerusalem 16°C (61°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Jerusalem
| Jerusalem | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 8°C (46°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 9°C (48°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.