A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Nadi (Port Denarau) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shanghai or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

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 Nadi (Port Denarau). 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 Nadi (Port Denarau)?

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".

Nadi (Port Denarau)

Nadi, pronounced "Nandi", is a city and transportation hub in the Fijian islands. It is on one of the main islands, Viti Levu, and has a population of about 42,000. Many inhabitants are Indian as well as Fijian, and the largest temple in the Southern hemisphere is located in the city center. It must be noted that Nadi and surrounding areas aren't known for the beaches. This is more of a cultural destination or starting point for your trip to Fiji. For the best beaches, you will want to venture out to the other, smaller, islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Nadi (Port Denarau) or Shanghai?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $164. 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shanghai $81
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shanghai $162
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $206
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Nadi (Port Denarau)

Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Nadi (Port Denarau)? 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 Nadi (Port Denarau)


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: Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shanghai $3.87
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.74
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
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area : $25
  • Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
  • Private Transfer: Shanghai New International Expo Centre and City Hotels: $26
  • Private Departure Transfer to Hongqiao Railway Station from Shanghai City: $26
  • Private Transfer between Shanghai NECC and City Area : $28
  • Private Transfer: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Hotels: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):

  • Private Transfer-Nadi International Airport to Hotels : $6.76
  • Private Transfer Nadi Airport to or from Hotel or Resort: $8.22
  • Shared Shuttle Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport/ Port to Hotel: $9.01
  • Shared Transfer To Nadi Airport from Denarau Resorts: $9.01
  • Private Shuttle Transfer to Nadi International Airport: $9.01
  • Private Departure Transfer From Your Hotel To Nadi Airport (cfc approved): $9.14
  • Private Departure Transfer To Nadi Airport From Your Hotel: $9.14
  • Shared Shuttle Departure Transfers - Denarau,Wailoaloa & Nadi to Nadi Airport: $11
  • Private Transfer from Nadi Intl Airport to Sheraton Fiji Resort : $11
  • Private Departure Transfer to Nadi Airport from Your Hotel: $12
  • Denarau Hotels to Nadi Airport (Private Departure Transfer): $14
  • CFC APPROVED Private Arrival Transfer - Nadi Airport to All Denarau Hotels: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Prices for flights to both Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 $21
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $39
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 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
  • Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
  • 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
  • Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
  • Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option: $130
  • Private Wet Market Visit with Cooking Class in Shanghai: $138

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nadi (Port Denarau).

  • Robinson Crusoe Sunset Cruise Including Dinner, Cultural Show & Transfers: $121
  • Super Saver Combo: Tivua Island Day Cruise + Sunset Dinner Cruise in Fiji: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shanghai $8.42
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $32
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
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
  • Shanghai Yu Garden Tour:Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
  • Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
  • 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
  • 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
  • Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
  • Small Group 2.5-Hour Walking Tour - Spots Hiding Behind the Shanghai Bund: $51

Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nadi (Port Denarau) are as follows:

  • Nadi Tour- Garden of the Sleeping Giant , Temple & Mud Pool Combo: $46
  • The Amazing Highlights of Nadi and Veseisei ( Private Tour ) : $50
  • Skip the Line: Big Bula Waterpark Full Day Ticket: $51
  • Island Adventurers Kid's Show Tickets: $52
  • Sabeto Waterfall Tour (Nadi): $58
  • Finding Nemo - Half Day Cruise to South Sea Island: $58
  • Nadi Must Do Sights Tour Combo: $59
  • Fijian Secret Tour: $63
  • Nadi Sightseeing Including Viseisei Lookout, Village Tour, Garden & Temple Tour: $69
  • Great Taste of Fiji Sightseeing Adventure: $70
  • Half Day Sightseeing - Wonders of Nadi Tour: $72
  • Nadi Sightseeing & Mud Pool Tour: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shanghai $7.35
    Nadi (Port Denarau) $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 - Bar-hopping/Night life tour: $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Nadi (Port Denarau), we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) is in Pacific, 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nadi (Port Denarau) than you might in Shanghai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Nadi (Port Denarau)?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Nadi (Port Denarau). When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Nadi (Port Denarau), 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.