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

Should you visit Shanghai or Guatemala City?

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 Guatemala City. 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 Guatemala City?

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".

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City or Shanghai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shanghai Prices
    China Prices
    Guatemala City Prices
    Guatemala Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shanghai $132
    Guatemala City $56

The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $132, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Guatemala City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shanghai $82
    Guatemala City $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shanghai $164
    Guatemala City $48
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Guatemala City

Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Guatemala City? 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 Guatemala City


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: Guatemala City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shanghai $3.93
    Guatemala City $6.25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.64
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • Private Transfer Shanghai Airport PVG / SHA to Shanghai / Suzhou: $14
  • Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $15
  • Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
  • Yiwu Airport Private Transfer, airport pick up drop off services: $20
  • Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
  • [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai City - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Shanghai City to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport private transfer to hotels downtown.: $24
  • Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
  • Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Guatemala City Airport to Antigua: $16
  • Private Ground Transfer Airport - Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • Private Airport Transfer La Aurora airport to Guatemala: $26
  • Private Airport Transfer from Guatemala to La Aurora airport: $26
  • Private Transfer from La Aurora International Airport to Antigua: $28
  • Airport Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: La Aurora International Airport to Antigua Hotel: $35
  • Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
  • Private transfer Guatemala airport to Antigua.: $60
  • Private transfer from Airport to Panajachel: $65
  • Private Transfer From La Aurora AirPort to Panajachel Atitlan : $67

Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Guatemala City?

Prices for flights to both Guatemala City 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 $38
    Guatemala City $27
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai

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


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.40
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $20
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.29
  • Cantelope
    $1.68
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.10
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.21
  • Pastries
    $2.94
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $8.97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.

  • Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.58
  • MingleX Dinner with Shanghai locals: $19
  • Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
  • Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
  • Public Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai : $50
  • Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
  • Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
  • Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $85
  • Shanghai Cooking Dumpling and Taste Local Food w/Vegan Option: $87
  • Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.

  • PRIVATE MAYAN COOKING CLASS WITH CHEF EN Guatemala City: $65
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $175
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shanghai $8.55
    Guatemala City $1.22
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:

  • Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.58
  • Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
  • Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
  • French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
  • Shanghai Yu Garden Tickets with options (near the Bund): $8.50
  • Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $9.00
  • The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking: $11
  • Yu/Yuyuan Garden Entry Ticket-E ticket: $13
  • Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Hop On Hop Off City Tour: $19
  • JinMao Tower Ticket Pass Experience: $22
  • Huangpu River sightseeing Cruise Ticket from ShiliuPu Pier: $23

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:

  • Half Day Guatemala City Tour: $27
  • 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour From Guatemala: $29
  • Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $30
  • Guatemala city Walking Tour and public bus: $30
  • Walking Tour of Guatemala City's Historical Center: $35
  • Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City : $35
  • Private Tour: Antigua Guatemala Walking Tour from Antigua Guatemala: $35
  • Guatemala city walking tour on afternoon 14.00, 2 persons and up: $39
  • Private Tour in the Historic Center of Guatemala City: $45
  • City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
  • Private Night City Photo Tour in Guatemala: $50
  • Historical and natural bike tour in Guatemala City: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shanghai $7.46
    Guatemala City $6.93

Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City

Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105


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

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


Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Guatemala City?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Guatemala City. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Guatemala City, 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.