Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Kathmandu?
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 Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu 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: Kathmandu or Shanghai?
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $54Shanghai $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $54, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $141. 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 Kathmandu and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $34Shanghai $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $68Shanghai $174
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu 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: Kathmandu Hotel Prices and Shanghai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $5.98Shanghai $4.18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:
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Taxi Ride$1.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:
- Private City Transfers Tours & Car Rental with options: $11
- Tribhuvan International Airport Transfer Service: $12
- Airport Transfers in Kathmandu – Pickup OR Drop-Off Service: $15
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
- Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $15
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: $16
- Kathmandu Airport Transfer Service: $18
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu Hotels to Domestic Airport Vehicle: $20
- Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V.: $22
- Rent a Private Car with Driver for Kathmandu City Transfer: $25
- Kathmandu Airport Transfer: $30
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$3.88
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Two Subway Tickets$0.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Transfer From or to City Center: $15
- Private Transfers to/from Shanghai Pudong Airport(PVG): $16
- Pudong PVG Hongqiao SHA Private Transfer ⇄ City Center: $18
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $19
- Yiwu Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $20
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
- Yiwu Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Shanghai Stadium (Football Match, League of Legends): $20
- Shanghai City to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! : $23
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport private transfer to hotels downtown.: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Kathmandu 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 dayKathmandu $13Shanghai $40
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Dessert$1.16
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Dinner for Two$2.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.
- Saturday Hidden Kathmandu Walk and Food Tour: $10
- Home Made Authentic Nepali Dinner (veg/non vegg): $13
- Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $24
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $25
- Momo, Dhalbhat & Thukpa Cooking Class, Nepal: $25
- Half day cooking class in Thamel kathmandu: $30
- Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
- Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
- Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
- Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
- Yomari and Bara Newari Food Cooking Class Cultural Experience: $50
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.49
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.76
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Cantelope$1.79
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Dumplings and Soup$2.24
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Duck Dinner$4.48
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Pastries$3.14
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Barbeque Dinner$9.56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Shanghai Cultural Food Tour with Michelin Listed Dumplings: $55
- Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 Authentic Tastings: $61
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $69
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour by Walking or Cycling: $80
- Shanghai Cooking Dumpling and Taste Local Food w/Vegan Option: $84
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $6.92Shanghai $9.11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Monkey Temple for Two$1.29
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Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two$3.23
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Swayambhunath Stupa$1.29
Tours and Activities in Kathmandu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
- Chitwan to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Luxury Sofa: $6.60
- Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group: $8.00
- Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $8.00
- Private sightseeing Day Tour | Top 4 UNESCO Heritage: $9.00
- Full Day 7 UNESCO Heritage Private Tour with Lunch.: $9.00
- Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour with Lunch.: $9.00
- Full Day Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $10
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites Private & Small Group Tour: $10
- Chitwan to Bandipur Tourist Bus Luxury Sofa Seater: $10
- Chitwan to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Tickets: $10
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Tourist Bus Ticket Luxury Sofa: $11
- Chitwan to Pokhara Luxury Bus Ticket Reservation: $12
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: $3.43
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.43
- Beijing: Zhongshan Park Entrance Ticket: $3.50
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $4.00
- Shanghai City Walking Tour: $4.00
- Customized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- Podcast Tour Shanghai Shadows of the Shikumen: $5.49
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.77
- Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket: $9.67
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $4.93Shanghai $7.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kathmandu:
- Bar Tour & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's Night: $75
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Bar Crawl: TCM Cocktails & Local Craft Beer: $89
- Cheers, Beers and No Fears: Shanghai Bar Crawl: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kathmandu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kathmandu 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 Kathmandu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kathmandu Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu 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.