A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shanghai or Podgorica?

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 Podgorica. 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 Podgorica?

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".

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica 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 Podgorica is $112. 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 Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shanghai $81
    Podgorica $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shanghai $162
    Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica


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: Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shanghai $3.87
    Podgorica $21
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Transfer Podgorica city center- Podgorica Airport: $22
  • Private transfer from Podgorica airport to Podgorica city: $26
  • Private Transfer: Podgorica Airport TGD to Podgorica in Sedan Car: $34
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Private Transfer: Podgorica to TGD Airport in Business Car: $41
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica hotels to Kotor Cruise Port: $47
  • Podgorica hotels to Kotor Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $54
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $54
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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
    Podgorica $43
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shanghai $8.42
    Podgorica $22
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

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.23
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $14
  • Lake Skadar Grmozur Fortress and Monastery Cruise: $16
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $66
  • Walking tour, all the secrets of Podgorica: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shanghai $7.35
    Podgorica $21

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $78
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $98
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $121
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $129
  • Full Day Private Podgorica Wine Tour Experience: $159
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $197


When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Podgorica, 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. Even though Shanghai is in Asia and Podgorica is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Podgorica?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?

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 Podgorica in the Summer?

Both Podgorica 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.

In July, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Podgorica. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Podgorica. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Podgorica in the Autumn?

Both Podgorica 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.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Podgorica, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shanghai 19°C (65°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Podgorica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Podgorica. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In the winter, Shanghai is cooler than Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Podgorica receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shanghai 4°C (39°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Podgorica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Podgorica. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

In April, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Podgorica. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Shanghai

Shanghai Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)