Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Amsterdam. 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.
Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Shanghai and Amsterdam.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.
Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace.
Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Shanghai a bit more than Amsterdam.
Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.
Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
With more options to choose from, you'll find a more vibrant nightlife in Amsterdam.
People head to Amsterdam just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.
Both Shanghai and Amsterdam are good shopping destinations.
The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Families may find more to do in Shanghai than Amsterdam.
Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.
Amsterdam is not always a place people visit with their families. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.
Shanghai and Amsterdam both fun destinations for a couple.
Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.
Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.
Both Shanghai and Amsterdam are popular destinations for backpackers.
Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.
A large number of backpackers visit Amsterdam, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.
Both Shanghai and Amsterdam offer public transit options.
Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.
Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.
Shanghai and Amsterdam both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.
Both Shanghai and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Shanghai.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Shanghai is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Amsterdam is 2-7 days.
People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
The beautiful city of Amsterdam offers live music and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Amsterdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
People visit Shanghai because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.
Amsterdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amsterdam, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Shanghai is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Amsterdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amsterdam has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $98, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $151. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shanghai and Amsterdam in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Amsterdam? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Shanghai.
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.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Amsterdam. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Shanghai is much warmer than Amsterdam in the summer. The temperature in Shanghai is usually 28°C (83°F) in July, and Amsterdam stays around 17°C (62°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 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 Amsterdam. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Amsterdam. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Shanghai is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October are around 19°C (65°F), and Amsterdam is about 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Amsterdam 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In January, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Amsterdam stays around 2°C (36°F).
Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Both Amsterdam 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. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Shanghai is much warmer than Amsterdam in the spring. The temperature in Shanghai is usually 15°C (58°F) in April, and Amsterdam stays around 8°C (46°F).
In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Amsterdam. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Amsterdam. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Shanghai | Amsterdam | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
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