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

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Jerusalem?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $110, 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 Jerusalem and Shanghai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $66
    Shanghai $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $132
    Shanghai $162
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.

Hotels in Jerusalem


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $6.88
    Shanghai $3.89
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.24
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Private Jerusalem Departure Transfer - Hotel/Accommodation to Tel Aviv Airport: $48
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $78
  • Private Intercity Transfer - from your Jerusalem hotel to your Tel Aviv hotel: $90
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Private Transfer: $130
  • VIP transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • VIP Transfer between Ben Gurion Airport and Jerusalem: $130
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $151
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Jerusalem to Amman Private Transfer: $200
  • Transfer Between Tel Aviv city and Jerusalem city: $220

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:

  • Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
  • Shared Transfer: from Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port: $20
  • Yiwu Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $20
  • Yiwu Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $20
  • Private Transfer: Hotel to Shanghai Stadium (Football Match, League of Legends): $20
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
  • Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
  • Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
  • Private Transfer from Shanghai Hotels to Shanghai Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer between Qibao Ancient Water Town and Shanghai City Area : $25
  • Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
  • Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jerusalem $32
    Shanghai $22
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $2.75
  • Watermelon
    $4.12
  • Lunch
    $12
  • Food at Market
    $16
  • Juice
    $2.75
  • Bagels
    $8.24
  • Lunch for 2
    $15
  • Snacks
    $5.77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Food Tour in Jerusalem with a Local : $72
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $96
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem--Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $110
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $115
  • Christmas Eve in Israel: Jerusalem Sightseeing Tour with Dinner and Midnight Mass Viewing in Bethlehem: $125
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $172

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.
    Jerusalem $8.73
    Shanghai $8.48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $35

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 360 Virtual Tour of Ancient Jerusalem: $6.00
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus Day Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App: $7.00
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City Tour - Dguide Self Guiding App : $7.00
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Must See Israel Self-Guided Video Tour: $13
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $19
  • Independent graffiti tour in Jerusalem at your own time and pace: $22
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $24
  • Self-Guided Tour at Machne Yehuda Market with Chef Tali Fridman: $25
  • Old City Shabbat Experience and Walking Tour: $28
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Red Bus City Tour: $29
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $30

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
    Jerusalem $16
    Shanghai $7.40
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $4.94

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 Jerusalem and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 Jerusalem 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 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 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)