Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Kiev?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kiev or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kiev and Shanghai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Kiev or Shanghai?
Kiev
Kiev is the capital city and also the largest city in the Ukraine, with a population of almost 3 million in the metropolitan area. It is situated on the Dnieper River in the north central part of the country and is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the fifth century. The people in Kiev are quite friendly and welcoming, and are happy to have you in their city. It can, however, be difficult to communicate and get around if you don't speak at least a little Russian. It is doable with a little sign language and the help of a guide book with translations though.
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKiev $26Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Kiev is $26, 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 Kiev and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKiev $17Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKiev $34Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Kiev and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Kiev 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kiev $1.03Shanghai $3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kiev
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiev:
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Departure Transfer To Kyiv Boryspil International Airport (KBP): $24
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer from Kyiv Boryspil Airport: $30
- Private Transfer: From Kyiv city to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport : $37
- Private Transfer from Zhulyany (Kyiv International Airport) to Kyiv: $42
- VIP Airport Transfer Service in Kiev: $43
- Private transfer: Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv: $48
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $55
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV in Business Car: $55
- Kiev Airport Transfers : Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City in Luxury Van: $61
- Kiev Arrival Private Transfers from Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV to Kiev City: $61
- Kiev Departure Private Transfers from Kiev City to Kiev Zhulhany Airport IEV: $61
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:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Departure Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Yiwu Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $20
- Yiwu Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Kiev or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Kiev 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 dayKiev $7.25Shanghai $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kiev
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kiev.
- "Kiev Private Food Tour" - Taste the best Ukraine has to offer: $53
- Kyiv Restaurant Food Tour: Ukrainian Cuisine Tasting: $113
- Private Gastro/Food Tour In Kyiv : $144
- Cooking master class: $226
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 Sesame 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
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Chinese Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit: $90
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kiev $2.04Shanghai $8.42
Tours and Activities in Kiev
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kiev are as follows:
- Underground Tunnels Exploration Tour: $34
- Kyiv Underground Tour: $35
- Panoramic Kyiv by Night Driving Tour with Private Guide: $38
- Kyiv Podil District Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $38
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour to Kiev Pechersk Lavra : $39
- Private Street Art Walking Tour with Local Guide - Best of Kyiv Murals: $39
- Sunrise in Kyiv Private Tour: $39
- Kyiv Metro Private Tour – Highlights of the Subway Stations: $39
- Soviet Kiev - 2 hours Walking Tour: $42
- Kiev Open Tour - History & Modern Life in 3 hours: $43
- Mysteries of Baikove Cemetery Private Guided Tour: $45
- Kiev Best Sights Private Half-Day Tour : $46
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:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- 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
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKiev $6.40Shanghai $7.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Kiev
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kiev:
- Kiev Pub Crawling | Private Beer Tasting Tour: $77
- Speakeasy Bar Crawl: $135
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: $27
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kiev and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Kiev much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kiev is in Europe 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 Kiev would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kiev 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 Kiev.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kiev Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kiev or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kiev. When comparing the sizes of Kiev 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 Kiev or Shanghai?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Kiev or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Kiev are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Kiev is generally cooler than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 21°C (70°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In July, Kiev usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Kiev gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKiev 21°C (70°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Kiev during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Kiev is much colder than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kiev averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Kiev usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Kiev gets 35 mm (1.4 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 OctoberKiev 10°C (49°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kiev and Shanghai. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. The weather in Kiev can be very cold. In the winter, Kiev is much colder than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kiev in January average around -4°C (24°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In January, Kiev usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Kiev gets 47 mm (1.9 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 JanuaryKiev -4°C (24°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Kiev or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kiev as well as Shanghai. Additionally, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Kiev is generally cooler than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Kiev average around 10°C (51°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Kiev usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Kiev gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKiev 10°C (51°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Kiev
| Kiev | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (24°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | -3°C (27°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 2°C (36°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (69°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (49°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (38°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (30°F) | 52 mm (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.