Which place is cheaper, Nanchang or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Nanchang?
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 Nanchang. 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 Nanchang?
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".
Nanchang
Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Nanchang $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Nanchang is $58. 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 Nanchang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Nanchang $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Nanchang $40
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Nanchang
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Nanchang? 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 $3.87Nanchang $11
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$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
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
- Shanghai To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $209
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Shanghai to Xi'an Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $177
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $167
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Xitang Water Town: $157
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $150
- Shanghai Era Theatre Acrobatics Show with Hotel Transfer: $149
- Shanghai Airport to Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Nanchang?
Prices for flights to both Nanchang 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 $21Nanchang $32
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
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
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $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
- Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Night Food Tour: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Nanchang $4.57
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:
- Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
- 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
- 1 day Shanghai to Hangzhou Mini Group Tour: $131
- 1 day Shanghai to Suzhou Garden Mini Group tour: $116
- 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: $229
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road: $190
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.36Nanchang $6.32
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: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Nanchang, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Nanchang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanchang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanchang 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 Nanchang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Nanchang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Nanchang?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Nanchang. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shanghai or Nanchang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Nanchang. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nanchang in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Nanchang fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nanchang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Nanchang. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 262 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nanchang. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nanchang. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Nanchang 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nanchang in the Autumn?
Both Nanchang and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nanchang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Nanchang averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nanchang during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nanchang. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Nanchang 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nanchang in the Winter?
Both Nanchang and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Shanghai can be very cold during winter. In January, Shanghai is generally cooler than Nanchang. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Nanchang fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Nanchang. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 103 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Nanchang. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Nanchang 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nanchang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Nanchang. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Shanghai is cooler than Nanchang in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Nanchang fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 116 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nanchang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nanchang. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Nanchang 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Nanchang and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Nanchang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.