Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou. 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 Hangzhou?
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".
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 PricesHangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $140Hangzhou $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $140, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $84. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $87Hangzhou $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $174Hangzhou $50
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Hangzhou? 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 $4.14Hangzhou $8.69
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:
- 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 in Business Car: $122
- Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
- Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $122
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Departure Transfer from Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG by Sedan: $61
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA): Private Transfer To/From Shanghai Hotels: $46
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $43
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to Xixi Wetland Resorts and Hotels: $46
- Hangzhou to Suzhou Bullet Train Ticket with Hangzhou Train Station Transfer: $51
- Private Arrival Transfer: Hangzhou International Airport to Hotel: $71
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $72
- Hangzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $75
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Hangzhou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Shaoxing City: $84
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $40Hangzhou $33
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
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.51
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Pizza Hut Lunch$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.02Hangzhou $21
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: $3.54
- Shanghai Evolution Free Walking Tour: $4.00
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $4.00
- Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Journey Back to Dunhuang Experience Voucher: $5.69
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.98
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More: $10
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $12
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Qiantang River Night Cruise(Ticket): $26
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.87Hangzhou $11
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Hangzhou, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Hangzhou?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shanghai or Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Hangzhou. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hangzhou. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Hangzhou. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Hangzhou. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In January, Shanghai is generally cooler than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Shanghai is cooler than Hangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.