Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Lahore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lahore or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lahore and Shanghai. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lahore or Shanghai?
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayLahore $57Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, 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 Lahore and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLahore $37Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLahore $74Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Lahore 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: Lahore Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lahore $9.98Shanghai $3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
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:
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai to Xi’an Bullet Train Ticket with Local Hotel Private Transfers : $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Top City Highlights Tickets with Optional Transfer: $185
- Shanghai to Xi'an Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $177
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Self-Guide Tour Private Round Transfer: $171
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $168
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen : $166
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Lahore 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 dayLahore $14Shanghai $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
- Private Street Food Tour of Lahore: $163
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$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken 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
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $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
- 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.Lahore $5.08Shanghai $8.44
Tours and Activities in Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahori Food Experience: $65
- Wahga Border Flag Ceremony & Shalimar Garden Private Tour: $70
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Ladies Special: Lahore Half day Guided Shopping Tour: $90
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Lahore Half Day Private Tuk Tuk ( Trishaw ) Guided Tour : $95
- Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
- Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
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:
- Half-Day Private Tour of Shanghai Bund with River Cruise or Tower View: $90
- Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
- 1 day Shanghai to Hangzhou Mini Group Tour: $131
- 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: $229
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLahore $4.89Shanghai $7.36
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
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lahore and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Lahore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lahore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lahore 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 Lahore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lahore Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lahore or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lahore. When comparing the sizes of Lahore 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 Lahore or Shanghai?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Lahore or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Lahore during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Lahore. In the summer, Lahore is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lahore in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the summer, Lahore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLahore 33°C (91°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Shanghai. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Lahore is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lahore usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLahore 27°C (81°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Shanghai. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Lahore is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the winter, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.
Lahore usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLahore 14°C (58°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Lahore is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lahore in April average around 28°C (83°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In April, Lahore usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLahore 28°C (83°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Lahore
| Lahore | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.