Which place is cheaper, Lima or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Shanghai or Lima?
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 Lima. 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 Lima?
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".
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
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 Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Lima $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Lima $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Lima? 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: Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Lima $5.67
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
-
Taxi Ride$3.59
-
Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Departure Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Yiwu Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $20
- Yiwu Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.37
-
Taxi Ride$5.37
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.00
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.00
- Lima Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Miraflores: $5.63
- Lima Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Lima city center: $6.00
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport to Hotels in Lima: $13
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private transfers from Lima Airport or to Lima Airport: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from Lima city to the airport: $18
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $20
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport to Hotel by Aludy Travel: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 dayShanghai $21Lima $17
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
-
Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
-
Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
-
Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.18
-
Cantelope$1.66
-
Dumplings and Soup$2.07
-
Duck Dinner$4.14
-
Pastries$2.90
-
Barbeque Dinner$8.83
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
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Chinese Cooking Class and Wet Market Visit: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.30
-
Ice cream$3.49
-
Coffee$2.95
-
Donut$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.42Lima $8.57
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:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
-
Movie Tickets$2.28
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Peru's Best Bike Experience since 2014 - 4 Hours Hire: $9.90
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- bike tour: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima : $19
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.35Lima $5.57
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 - Bar-hopping/Night life tour: $27
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.23
-
Beer$4.03
-
Cocktail$3.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour : $39
- Local Wine Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Lima, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Lima is in South 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Lima?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Lima, 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 Lima?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Shanghai or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Lima. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Lima. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Lima. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In the winter, Shanghai is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Lima. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Lima. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In April, Shanghai is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Lima. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.