A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Port-of-Spain for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shanghai or Port-of-Spain?

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 Port-of-Spain. 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 Port-of-Spain?

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".

Port-of-Spain

Located on the northwest coast of Trinidad island, Port of Spain is the capital of the Caribbean island nation Trinidad & Tobago. It is a hub of activity, especially during the celebration of Carnival for which the island nation is famous.

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, Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain is $174. 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 Port-of-Spain in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shanghai $81
    Port-of-Spain $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shanghai $162
    Port-of-Spain $160
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Port-of-Spain

Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Port-of-Spain? 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 Port-of-Spain


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: Port-of-Spain Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shanghai $3.87
    Port-of-Spain $49
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:

  • Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $108
  • Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport & Hongqiao Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to City Center : $30
  • 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 City by Standard Sedan: $74
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $113
  • Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $112
  • Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
  • Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
  • Flexible Hours of Shanghai Layover and Transfer Tour with Driver Only: $119
  • Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 5 seat standard car: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Port-of-Spain?

Prices for flights to both Port-of-Spain 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
    Port-of-Spain $54
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
    Port-of-Spain $59
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shanghai $7.35
    Port-of-Spain $22

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Port-of-Spain, we can see that Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Port-of-Spain?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Port-of-Spain. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Port-of-Spain, 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 Port-of-Spain?

Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Port-of-Spain experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Port-of-Spain in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Port-of-Spain. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Port-of-Spain attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Port-of-Spain. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Port-of-Spain averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Port-of-Spain this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Port-of-Spain during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

Port-of-Spain 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 Port-of-Spain. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Port-of-Spain in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Port-of-Spain. The autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Port-of-Spain throughout the year.

In October, Shanghai is generally cooler than Port-of-Spain. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Port-of-Spain. In the autumn, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 207 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Port-of-Spain. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Port-of-Spain. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shanghai 19°C (65°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Port-of-Spain in the Winter?

Both Port-of-Spain and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Port-of-Spain because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Port-of-Spain in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Port-of-Spain fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Port-of-Spain. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Port-of-Spain during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Port-of-Spain receives 241 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Port-of-Spain. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shanghai 4°C (39°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Shanghai or Port-of-Spain in the Spring?

Both Port-of-Spain and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Port-of-Spain year-round.

In the spring, Shanghai is much colder than Port-of-Spain. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Port-of-Spain averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Port-of-Spain, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Port-of-Spain. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Port-of-Spain receives 238 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Port-of-Spain. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Port-of-Spain receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F) 
    Port-of-Spain 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Port-of-Spain and Shanghai

Shanghai Port-of-Spain
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)