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

Should you visit Shanghai or Bogota?

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 Bogota. 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 Bogota?

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".

Bogota

Sprawling across a high altitude in the Columbian Andes region, Bogota is the capital city of Columbia. It is a mix of the old and new with century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers, museums representing the history, art, and culture of the region, as well as a mix of distinct neighborhoods from quaint and historic to trendy and contemporary.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Colombia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia.


Which place is cheaper, Bogota or Shanghai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Bogota is $52. 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 Bogota in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shanghai $81
    Bogota $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shanghai $162
    Bogota $52
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Bogota

Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Bogota? 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 Shanghai


Hotels in Bogota


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: Bogota Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shanghai $3.87
    Bogota $8.61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.59
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • private transfer from Wusongkou CruisePort to Disneyland and back: $64
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Water Town Private Transfer Service from Shanghai : $103
  • Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
  • Yiwu City Private Transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport : $74
  • Yiwu Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $20
  • Yiwu Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $20
  • Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai with Private Transfer: $100
  • Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Pudong Airport Chauffeur Service, Port Transfer: $95
  • Wusongkou Cruise Terminal Share Transfer Service, Baoshan Port Pick up Service: $29
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Shanghai APT-HTL (PVG,SHA): $51
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in ShangHai HTL-APT (PVG,SHA): $51
  • Transfer From City to Shanghai Pudong Airport (English Driver): $68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bogota

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bogota are as follows:


  • Taxi from Airport
    $7.42
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.39
  • 2 Bus Passes
    $0.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bogota

Also for Bogota, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Hotels in Bogota: $12
  • Private Arrival or Departure Transfer: El Dorado Airport (One Way): $13
  • Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogota (one way): $15
  • Transfer in private SUV from Bogota City - Bogota Airport (BOG): $18
  • Private Bogota airport pick up transfer service: $20
  • Private Transfer El Dorado Airport to Hotels in Bogotá: $20
  • Premium Private Transfer from El Dorado Airport to Bogota Hotels: $21
  • Bogota Airport BOG to Downtown Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Private Arrival Transfer : From Airport to Bogotá Hotels : $31
  • Private Transfer from Bogotá-El Dorado (BOG) Airport to Bogotá City: $33
  • Andres Carne de Res Chia • Premium Private Transfer: $39
  • Salt Cathedral Zipaquira • Premium Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Bogota?

Prices for flights to both Bogota 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shanghai $21
    Bogota $13
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai

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


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.38
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $20
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.18
  • Cantelope
    $1.66
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.07
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.14
  • Pastries
    $2.90
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $8.83

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
  • 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $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
  • Chinese Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit: $90
  • Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $1.54
  • Hot Dog
    $0.90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bogota

For Bogota, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Bogota Local Food Tour in the City Center: $13
  • Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings: $49
  • PALOQUEMAO MARKET FOOD TOUR. EXOTIC FRUIT. LOCAL SNACKS. /Min 2 pax: $55
  • Bogota Food Tour • Private Car • Fruits Cacao Lunch Coffee Beer: $59
  • Private Colombian Cooking Class and Market Tour In Bogota: $90
  • Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res DC: $100
  • Private Street Food Tour in Candelaria Bogota: $131

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shanghai $8.42
    Bogota $13
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:

  • 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
  • Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
  • Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
  • 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 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
  • 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bogota

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bogota's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Beer
    $1.29

Tours and Activities in Bogota

For Bogota, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Party Tour: 6 nightclubs, Disco-Truck, After Party, 2 openbars: $2.95
  • Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part I : $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - El Dorado Expedition, Part II: $6.99
  • Monserrate Regular Tickets: $11
  • Bike Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $12
  • Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City: $13
  • Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $13
  • Tour of the Colombian Armed Conflict: war, drug trafficking and peace: $13
  • Walking Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá: $14
  • Alternative tour of Bogotá: gastronomic and cultural: $19
  • Bike Tour through Bogotá: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shanghai $7.35
    Bogota $14

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: $27
  • Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255

Sample the Local Flavors in Bogota

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bogota:

  • Thursday Bar Crawl in Bogotá: $25
  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Bogotá : $25
  • Pub Crawl in Bogota - Ancient Brews : $103


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

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


Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Bogota?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bogota. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Bogota, 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 Bogota?

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

Should I visit Shanghai or Bogota in the Summer?

Both Bogota and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bogota year-round.

In July, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Bogota. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Bogota. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Bogota in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Bogota. 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. Bogota attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Bogota in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Bogota fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Bogota receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Bogota. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shanghai 19°C (65°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Bogota in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Bogota. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bogota throughout the year.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In the winter, Shanghai is much colder than Bogota. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bogota averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Shanghai usually gets more rain in January than Bogota. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shanghai 4°C (39°F) 
    Bogota 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Bogota in the Spring?

Both Bogota and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Bogota because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Bogota. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Bogota fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Bogota. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bogota receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F) 
    Bogota 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bogota and Shanghai

Shanghai Bogota
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in)