Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Petra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Shanghai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Shanghai?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, 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 dayPetra $125Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, 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 Petra and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Petra and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Shanghai $3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Petra to Aqaba King Hussein Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $52
- Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
- Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
- Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
- Petra to Ma'in Hot Springs Private Transfer: $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:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shared Transfer: from Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port: $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 to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hotels to Shanghai Cruise Port: $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
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Petra 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 dayPetra $38Shanghai $21
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300
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 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
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 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
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Night Food Tour: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Shanghai $8.44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
- Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
- Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
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 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
- Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port to Hongqiao Airport:Private with Meet service: $40
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Haipai Culture Tour｜Shanghai's Past, Present & Future On One Road: $43
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Shanghai $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: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $18
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When comparing the travel costs between Petra and Shanghai, we can see that Petra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Petra is in Middle East and Shanghai is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Petra Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 1040 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Petra gets 384 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. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPetra 33°C (91°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Petra or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. 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.
Petra is a little warmer than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Petra. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 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 OctoberPetra 27°C (80°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Petra or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. 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. In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Petra gets 48 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 JanuaryPetra 15°C (59°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Petra or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Shanghai. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Petra usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPetra 25°C (76°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Petra
| Petra | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.