Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Kao-hsiung?
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 Kao-hsiung 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 Kao-hsiung 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: Kao-hsiung or Shanghai?
Kao-hsiung
Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.
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 Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Kao-hsiung Prices
Taiwan PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKao-hsiung $129Shanghai $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $129, 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 Kao-hsiung and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKao-hsiung $58Shanghai $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKao-hsiung $116Shanghai $174
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung 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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kao-hsiung $12Shanghai $4.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:
- Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Port to Kaohsiung Airport (KHH): $84
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $133
- Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
- Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $265
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
- Pudong PVG/Hongqiao SHA Private Transfer ⇄ City Center: $16
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $18
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $18
- 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
- Shanghai City to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai City - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Hotels Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Kao-hsiung 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 dayKao-hsiung $56Shanghai $40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.
- Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain: $100
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.
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $28
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour by Walking or Cycling: $80
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $86
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kao-hsiung $21Shanghai $9.02
Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:
- Kenting Aquarium Admission Ticket in Taiwan: $28
- Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung: $33
- Kaohsiung Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
- Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: Fo Guang Shan x Lotus Pond x Pier-2: $62
- Kenting and Pingtung Popular Sightseeing Spot Tour From Kaohsiung: $65
- Kaohsiung City Walking and Night Market Tour: $70
- Kaohsiung Cultural Day: TourMoon World, Hakka Lei Cha DIY, Pier-2: $73
- Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
- Alishan Join-in Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $86
- Tainan Romantic Escape: Qipao Experience & Love Match Ceremony: $114
- Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour: $115
- Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour: $115
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 French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.54
- 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
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Journey Back to Dunhuang Experience Voucher: $5.69
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.98
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More: $10
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKao-hsiung $10Shanghai $7.87
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 comparing the travel costs between Kao-hsiung 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kao-hsiung. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung 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.
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.