Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Akureyri?
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 Shanghai and Akureyri. 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: Shanghai or Akureyri?
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".
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Shanghai Prices
China PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $140Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $140, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $191. 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 Shanghai and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $87Akureyri $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $174Akureyri $208
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Akureyri? 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: Shanghai Hotel Prices and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $4.15Akureyri $23
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$3.85
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Two Subway Tickets$0.89
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
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car: $117
- Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
- Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $117
- Departure Transfer from Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG by Sedan: $61
- ERA Acrobatics Show Ticket with Private Transfer: $54
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
- Nantong City Private Transfer from Hongqiao Railway Station: $104
- Nanxun Ancient Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $123
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $30
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32
- Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
- Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Shanghai 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 dayShanghai $40Akureyri $71
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.71
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Cantelope$1.78
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Dumplings and Soup$2.22
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Duck Dinner$4.45
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Pastries$3.11
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Barbeque Dinner$9.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- City Center Authentic Local Food Tour-Tip Based: $3.56
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- 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
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Discover Shanghai's Flavors through Cooking Class: $52
- 2-Hour Shanghai Street Food Tour: Dumplings, Tea & Old City Bites: $68
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Market to Table Chinese Cooking Experience: $69
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.04Akureyri $19
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$30
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Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Shanghai City Walking Tour: $4.00
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $4.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Customized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao: $5.00
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $7.03
- Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket: $9.67
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $10
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
- Yu Garden Ticket: $11
- Shanghai The Bund Walking Tour with Audio Guide on Smartphone: $12
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
- War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
- Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $69
- From Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Tour for Cruise Ships (V): $77
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
- Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour near Akureyri: $82
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $86
- Whale Watching and Puffin Tour from Hauganes: $90
- Húsavík: Family-Run Whale Watching Tour: $91
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Whale Watching Tour from Akureyri City Central: $107
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.89Akureyri $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Bar Crawl: TCM Cocktails & Local Craft Beer: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Akureyri is in Europe, 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 Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Shanghai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Akureyri?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 880 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Akureyri, 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 Shanghai or Akureyri?
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 Shanghai or Akureyri in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Akureyri. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Akureyri. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Akureyri in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Akureyri. 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.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. Shanghai is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Akureyri. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Akureyri in the Winter?
Both Akureyri and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the winter. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In the winter, Shanghai is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F).
Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Akureyri. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Akureyri in the Spring?
Both Akureyri and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In April, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Akureyri. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
In the spring, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Akureyri. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Akureyri. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.