Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet or Shanghai?
Koh Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, 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 dayKoh Samet $96Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, 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 Koh Samet and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Shanghai $3.87
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
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area : $25
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
- Private Transfer: Shanghai New International Expo Centre and City Hotels: $26
- Private Departure Transfer to Hongqiao Railway Station from Shanghai City: $26
- Private Transfer between Shanghai NECC and City Area : $28
- Private Transfer: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hotels: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Koh Samet 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 dayKoh Samet $27Shanghai $21
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 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
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 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
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option: $130
- Private Wet Market Visit with Cooking Class in Shanghai: $138
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Shanghai $8.42
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
- 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
- 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
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
- Small Group 2.5-Hour Walking Tour - Spots Hiding Behind the Shanghai Bund: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Shanghai $7.35
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: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samet much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samet would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samet experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samet or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Koh Samet gets 195 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. It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In July, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Koh Samet during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, 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 the autumn, Koh Samet is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Koh Samet often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 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 OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Also, 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. In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 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 JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Shanghai. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Koh Samet is much warmer than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Samet this time of the year. In the spring, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.