Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
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 Nanjing. 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 Nanjing?
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".
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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 PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $140Nanjing $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $140, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $124. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $87Nanjing $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $174Nanjing $98
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Nanjing? 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 $4.14Nanjing $41
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: $120
- 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: $120
- 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): Private Transfer To/From Shanghai Hotels: $46
- Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port Private Transfer: $36
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
- Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station: $32
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from City Hotels: $33
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
- Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
- Nanjing to Nanjing Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport: $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private NKG Airport Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $40Nanjing $52
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.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.49
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $28
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Market to Table Chinese Cooking Experience: $79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option: $112
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
- Nanjing Private Tour: Ming Mausoleum, Night View & Local Dinner: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.02Nanjing $9.92
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 Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.49
- 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
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.88
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $10
- Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More: $10
- Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking: $11
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $12
- Shanghai Double Decker Sightseeing Bus: $13
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Qixia Mountain Ticket for Adult: $20
- Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults: $20
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour: $63
- Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $72
- Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
- Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
- 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour: $93
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour: $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way: $109
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
- Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum: $124
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.87Nanjing $10
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 comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Nanjing, 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Nanjing?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nanjing. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
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 Nanjing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Nanjing. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Nanjing. Many travelers come to Shanghai 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 Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Shanghai usually gets more rain in October than Nanjing. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nanjing in the Winter?
Both Nanjing and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nanjing can be very cold during winter. Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
In January, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nanjing. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (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.