Which place is cheaper, Kingston 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 Kingston?
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 Kingston. 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 Kingston?
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".
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Shanghai Prices
China PricesKingston Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $132Kingston $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $132, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $123. 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 Kingston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $82Kingston $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $164Kingston $124
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Kingston
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Kingston? 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: Kingston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.93Kingston $28
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$3.64
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Two Subway Tickets$0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $130
- Tongli and Xitang Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $114
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Arrival Private Transfer Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai by Sedan: $60
- Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
- Chartered Transfer Vehicle in Shanghai: $200
- Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $123
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Departure Transfer from Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG by Sedan: $60
- ERA Acrobatics Show Ticket with Private Transfer: $54
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- From Kingston Airport: One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston: $19
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Kingston Airport: $19
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
- Private Transfer from Kingston's Airport: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
- Kingston Airport Transfers Private Taxi Service***: $37
- Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
- Kingston Norman Manley Airport (KIN) to Kingston - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Port Antonio: $47
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
- From One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Kingston?
Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $38Kingston $44
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.40
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.29
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Cantelope$1.68
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Dumplings and Soup$2.10
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Duck Dinner$4.21
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Pastries$2.94
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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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.55Kingston $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$28
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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 Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Art Walk Sunday Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $9.78
- Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Kingston Creative: Mural Art Walking Tour: $31
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Mural Tours in the Downtown Kingston Art District, Jamaica: $40
- Reggae Legend - Bob Marley Museum Tour Tickets: $41
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
- Private Bob Marley Tour Experience: $65
- Kingston City Guided Tour - Classic: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.46Kingston $11
When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Kingston, 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. Even though Shanghai is in Asia and Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Kingston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Kingston?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kingston. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Kingston, 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 Kingston?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Shanghai or Kingston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Kingston. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Kingston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Kingston averages at about 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Kingston. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Kingston 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Kingston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Kingston. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
In October, Shanghai is generally much colder than Kingston. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kingston. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Kingston. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Kingston 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Kingston in the Winter?
Both Kingston and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Shanghai is much colder than Kingston in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Kingston. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Kingston. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Kingston 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Kingston in the Spring?
Both Kingston and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.
In the spring, Shanghai is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (80°F).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Kingston. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Kingston. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Kingston 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Kingston and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Kingston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.