Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Rabat?
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 Rabat. 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 Rabat?
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".
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $43. 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 Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Rabat? 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: Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Rabat $2.10
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:
- Private Layover Transfer with Attractions Tickets: $517
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- 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): $168
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen : $166
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Rabat to Salé: $22
- Private Transfer from or to Salé and Rabat: $24
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat Medina : $25
- 1-Way Private Transfer to or from Rabat Airport: $31
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $42
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Rabat Hotels to Casablanca Airport : Private Transfer: $59
- Rabat to Casablanca Private Transfer: $65
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
- Rabat To Casablanca Luxury transfer: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 $21Rabat $12
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 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.42Rabat $2.83
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
- Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
- 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.35Rabat -
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 Rabat, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Rabat is in Africa, 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 Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Rabat?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Rabat. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Rabat, 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 Rabat?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Shanghai or Rabat in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Rabat. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
Shanghai is a little warmer than Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rabat. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Rabat in the Autumn?
Both Rabat and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Rabat. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Rabat. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Rabat in the Winter?
Both Rabat and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Rabat. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Rabat in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Rabat. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Rabat. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (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.