Which place is cheaper, Dalian 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 Dalian?
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 Dalian. 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 Dalian?
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".
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern 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 PricesDalian Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $140Dalian $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $140, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $131. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $87Dalian $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $174Dalian $116
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Dalian? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $4.14Dalian $43
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$3.84
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Two Subway Tickets$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Shanghai to Xi’an Bullet Train Ticket with Local Hotel Private Transfers: $245
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area: $226
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $214
- Shanghai To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer: $211
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $182
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $174
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen: $166
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Xitang Water Town: $157
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
- Shanghai Airport to Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $88
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $40Dalian $50
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$7.69
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Cantelope$1.77
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Dumplings and Soup$2.22
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Duck Dinner$4.43
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Pastries$3.10
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Barbeque Dinner$9.46
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
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $28
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour by Walking or Cycling: $80
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $86
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.02Dalian $5.12
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:
- 1 Day Shanghai City Private Tour + Zhujiajiao Water Town: $230
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $198
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour (Departure from Shanghai): $240
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town,Nanjing Road and the Bund: $221
- 1-Day Private Tour to Suzhou from Shanghai: $272
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town,the Bund and World Financial Center: $256
- 13 day private tour : Splendid China+ important highlights: $4,106
- 1h Chinese Ink Art Experience: Calligraphy & Painting in Shanghai: $52
- 2-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai and Suzhou Private Tour: $300
- 2-Hour In-Depth Private Tour of Shanghai Bund: $64
- 2-Hour Private Shanghai Longhua Temple Walking Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Yu Garden in Oldcity and Cricket Boxing Culture Experience: $104
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Flexible Dalian City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.87Dalian $6.76
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: $26
- Shanghai Bar Crawl Craft Beers and TCM Cocktails: $71
When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Dalian, we can see that Shanghai 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Dalian?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shanghai or Dalian in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Dalian. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Dalian. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Dalian. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Dalian in the Winter?
Both Dalian and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Dalian can be very cold during winter. Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Shanghai is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Shanghai usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Dalian. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Shanghai is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Dalian. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.