Which city is cheaper, Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. 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 professional, diverse, and bustling 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, shopping, and museums.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.
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.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Edinburgh has many famous sights for visitors. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland.
Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Shanghai a bit more than Edinburgh.
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.
Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon.
Evening events are similar in both Shanghai and Edinburgh.
There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.
Edinburgh has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from.
Both Shanghai and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds.
Both Shanghai and Edinburgh are family-friendly destinations.
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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Edinburgh. There are a variety of unique activities for families in town including exploring Edinburgh Castle, a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon, and of course, following the Harry Potter Trail.
Shanghai and Edinburgh 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.
Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels.
Both Shanghai and Edinburgh 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.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with.
Shanghai and Edinburgh are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.
Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.
Edinburgh is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.
Both Shanghai and Edinburgh 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.
Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.
Shanghai and Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around
In either Shanghai or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Shanghai is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Edinburgh is 1-5 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 Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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.
Edinburgh 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, 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.
Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, 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.
Edinburgh is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Edinburgh is $144. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh:
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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.
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
Also in Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Shanghai.
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.
Both Edinburgh and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
Shanghai is much warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The temperature in Shanghai is usually 28°C (83°F) in July, and Edinburgh stays around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Edinburgh. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Edinburgh. The autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.
In the autumn, Shanghai is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October are around 19°C (65°F), and Edinburgh is about 10°C (49°F).
Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Edinburgh. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Edinburgh. Temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Edinburgh stays around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Edinburgh. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Edinburgh and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the natural beauty.
Shanghai is much warmer than Edinburgh in the spring. The temperature in Shanghai is usually 15°C (58°F) in April, and Edinburgh stays around 7°C (45°F).
Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Shanghai | Edinburgh | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
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