Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro?
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 Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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".
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Rio de Janeiro $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $105. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Rio de Janeiro $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro? 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: Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Rio de Janeiro $7.97
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 Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport & Hongqiao Airport : $45
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to City Center : $30
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Pudong Airport : $43
- 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 : $112
- 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 Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 5 seat standard car: $53
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $72
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Transfer in Private Vehicle from Rio de Janeiro City center - Airport (GIG): $13
- Rio Galeão Airport (GIG): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $15
- Rio Santos Dumont (SDU): Shuttle Transfer to/from Hotels: $15
- Private transfer Economico GIG Rio Galeao airport up to 3 pax to Zona Sul: $18
- Shared Transfer From or To Airport: $18
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Rio de Janeiro City Center -Airport (SDU): $19
- Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $19
- One Way Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Rio de Janeiro: $20
- Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) to Rio: $21
- Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) to Rio de Janeiro: $21
- Private Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont Airport (SDU): $21
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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 $21Rio de Janeiro $20
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$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 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
- Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Night Food Tour: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.78
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Hamburger$0.98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $72
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $82
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Brazilian Meats and Snacks + South American Wines Guided Dinner: $89
- Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $90
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $105
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Rio de Janeiro $22
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
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $9.00
- 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 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
- Haipai Culture Tour｜Shanghai's Past, Present & Future On One Road: $43
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.66
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.85
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.85
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Rio de Janeiro Night Experience: Funk Class + 2 Caipirinhas: $9.14
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $10
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.36Rio de Janeiro $12
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: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $18
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $56
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $57
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $131
When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro is in South America, 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 Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Rio de Janeiro. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shanghai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShanghai 28°C (83°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Rio de Janeiro. 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.
In October, Shanghai is generally cooler than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShanghai 19°C (65°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
Both Rio de Janeiro 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.
It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShanghai 4°C (39°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
Both Rio de Janeiro 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.
In the spring, Shanghai is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShanghai 15°C (58°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.