A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nakhon Ratchasima vs. Shanghai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nakhon Ratchasima 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: Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai?

Nakhon Ratchasima

If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.

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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Nakhon Ratchasima?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nakhon Ratchasima Prices
    Thailand Prices
    Shanghai Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $58
    Shanghai $132

The average daily cost (per person) in Nakhon Ratchasima is $58, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $132. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima and Shanghai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nakhon Ratchasima $22
    Shanghai $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nakhon Ratchasima $44
    Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima and Shanghai

Looking for a hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima 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.

Hotels in Nakhon Ratchasima


Hotels in Shanghai


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: Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.19
    Shanghai $3.93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nakhon Ratchasima

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Nakhon Ratchasima:


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.57
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.57

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.64
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • private transfer from Wusongkou CruisePort to Disneyland and back: $64
  • [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
  • Zhujiajiao Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $75
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Water Town Private Transfer Service from Shanghai : $106
  • Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
  • Yiwu City Private Transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport : $74
  • Yiwu Airport Private Transfer, airport pick up drop off services: $20
  • Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Transfer from Shanghai: $133
  • Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal-Pudong Airport One Way Private Transfer: $35
  • Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal-Downtown Hotel Private One Way Transfer: $28
  • Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Pudong Airport Private Transfer: $95
  • Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Port Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai?

Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Nakhon Ratchasima 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $30
    Shanghai $38

Typical Food Prices in Shanghai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.40
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $20
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.29
  • Cantelope
    $1.68
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.10
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.21
  • Pastries
    $2.94
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $8.97

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 Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
  • Public Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai : $50
  • Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
  • Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
  • Huangpu River Crystal Princess Cruise Ticket with dinner: $92
  • 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $99
  • 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
  • Shanghai night cruise walking tour with delicious dinner: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nakhon Ratchasima $6.68
    Shanghai $8.55

Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:


  • 30 Minute River Cruise for Two
    $28
  • 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: $124
  • Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
  • Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
  • Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
  • Shanghai Yu Garden and Bund Private Walking Tour: $25
  • Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
  • 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
  • 1 Day Shanghai City Private Tour + Zhujiajiao Water Town: $230
  • 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $198
  • 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
  • 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: $229

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nakhon Ratchasima $12
    Shanghai $7.46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nakhon Ratchasima and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Nakhon Ratchasima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 14608510 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nakhon Ratchasima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nakhon Ratchasima as well as Shanghai. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Nakhon Ratchasima is around the same temperature as Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Shanghai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F) 
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai and Nakhon Ratchasima are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima 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, Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. In October, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F) 
    Shanghai 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai and Nakhon Ratchasima during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, 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, Nakhon Ratchasima is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima average around 25°C (77°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Nakhon Ratchasima usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F) 
    Shanghai 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Nakhon Ratchasima or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nakhon Ratchasima and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

It's very hot in Nakhon Ratchasima this time of the year. Nakhon Ratchasima is much warmer than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Nakhon Ratchasima averages around 31°C (89°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nakhon Ratchasima usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Nakhon Ratchasima gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F) 
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Nakhon Ratchasima

Nakhon Ratchasima Shanghai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)