Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Nassau?
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 Nassau. 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 Nassau?
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".
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Nassau $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $189. 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 Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Nassau $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Nassau? 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: Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Nassau $32
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:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hotels to Shanghai Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- 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
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $30
- Shared Shuttle Transfer to NAS Airport - Departure: $34
- Shared Shuttle Transfer from NAS Airport - Arrival: $34
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau Cruise Port to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau cruise port to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Arrival Transfer: $40
- Nassau Airport Round-trip Shared Transfers: $45
- Private Transfer in Nassau: $45
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Nassau hotel or address to Nassau Airport (NAS) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau 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 $21Nassau $53
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$7.18
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.14
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Pastries$2.90
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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 Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- 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
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.42Nassau $37
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:
- 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
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- KINDWalk — Nassau Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Nassau Self-Guided Audio Tour: The Jewel of the Bahamas: $15
- Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
- Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
- Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
- Island Tour: $44
- Nassau Historical Walking Tour: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.35Nassau $19
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
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $135
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Nassau, we can see that Nassau 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 Nassau is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Nassau?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Nassau, 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 Nassau?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nassau experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Shanghai or Nassau in the Summer?
Both Nassau and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Nassau. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Nassau. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nassau. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nassau in the Autumn?
Both Nassau and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
Shanghai is cooler than Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun.
Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Nassau. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nassau in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Nassau. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In the winter, Shanghai is much colder than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Nassau. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Nassau in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Nassau. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
In April, Shanghai is generally much colder than Nassau. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Nassau. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Nassau. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.