Which place is cheaper, Chengdu 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 Chengdu?
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 Chengdu. 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 Chengdu?
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".
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Shanghai Prices
China PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $141Chengdu $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $141, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $72. 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 Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $88Chengdu $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $176Chengdu $46
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Chengdu? 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 Chengdu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $4.19Chengdu $6.42
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$3.89
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Two Subway Tickets$0.90
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 by Sedan: $61
- 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
- Asiatic Services with One-Way Transfer to Hotel in Shanghai: $220
- Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $117
- ERA Acrobatics Show Ticket with Private Transfer: $54
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $91
- Madame Tussauds Shanghai Ticket with Transfers: $60
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Private One-Way Airport & Train Station Transfer: $14
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Private Transfer Tour: $15
- Chengdu Panda Base Ticket With Private Transfer & Guide opt: $17
- Leshan Giant Buddha Entry Ticket with Optional Guide & Transfer: $18
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Tour with Guide or Transfer: $20
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Chauffeur Service, Chengdu Airport Transfer, Pickup: $25
- Private Transfer from Chengdu hotel to Chengdu Train Station: $27
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Railway Station in Chengdu: $28
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chengdu Railway Station to City Hotel: $28
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu City - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu 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 $40Chengdu $41
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.49
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.77
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Cantelope$1.79
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Dumplings and Soup$2.24
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Duck Dinner$4.48
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Pastries$3.14
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Barbeque Dinner$9.56
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: $3.41
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Small Group Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $38
- Old Shanghai Signature Food Tour with 14+ Tasters by FoodaQuest: $59
- Yu Garden to French Concession: Old Lanes & Street Food Tour: $59
- 2-Hour Shanghai Street Food Tour: Dumplings, Tea & Old City Bites: $65
- Market to Table Chinese Cooking Experience: $69
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $69
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Chengdu Vegetarian Cooking Class at a Local Home: $45
- Chengdu Food Tour Local Delicacies and Ear Cleaning: $59
- Private Chengdu TukTuk Food Tour: Hidden Alleys & Local Eats: $59
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Private Full Day Sichuan Gourmet Food Tour from Chengdu: $69
- Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $73
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Eat with Locals Chengdu Dinner Tour: $79
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.12Chengdu $17
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 French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.41
- Beijing: Zhongshan Park Entrance Ticket: $3.50
- Shanghai City Walking Tour: $4.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $5.00
- Customized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour Shadows of the Shikumen: $6.83
- Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More: $8.60
- Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket: $9.67
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $10
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $9.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Free Walking Tour in Chengdu, Experience the city like a Local: $9.90
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets: $10
- Chengdu Panda Base Ticket/Experiences from Chunxi Road: $12
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $14
- Chengdu Giant Panda Base Ticket / Optional Private Guide Service: $15
- Ticket reservation for Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base: $15
- Chengdu Panda Base Tickets with Optional Private Tour Upgrade: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.95Chengdu $4.25
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 (Guided Bar Hopping) with Shots Included: $23
- Shanghai Bar Crawl: TCM Cocktails & Local Craft Beer: $89
- Cheers, Beers and No Fears: Shanghai Bar Crawl: $100
- TCM and Divination Chinese Style Pub Crawl Bar Hopping Night: $169
Sample the Local Flavors in Chengdu
Also in Chengdu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chengdu Pub Crawl: $23
- Tipsy Travel: Chengdu Evening Food and Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Chengdu, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Chengdu?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chengdu. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Chengdu, 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.
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.