Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Santiago?
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 Santiago. 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 Santiago?
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".
Santiago
Santiago is the capital city of Chile. It is centrally located in the long and narrow country, making it a good jumping off point to explore everywhere else. It's convenient location means that you can go skiing in the Andes one day, and hang out at the beach the next.
Santiago has a cool semi-arid climate that is similar to Mediterranean climates. The summers, which are between November and March, are warm and dry. The temperatures climb to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The winters, between June and August, are humid with cold mornings. The daily highs are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the lows stay a few degrees above freezing. Rain is more common in the winter months and the dry season is between December and March.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.
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Shanghai Prices
China PricesSantiago Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $140Santiago $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $140, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $161. 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 Santiago in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $87Santiago $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $174Santiago $234
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Santiago
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Santiago? 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: Santiago Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $4.14Santiago $5.81
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$3.84
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Two Subway Tickets$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Private Transfers to/from Shanghai Pudong Airport(PVG): $16
- Pudong PVG/Hongqiao SHA Private Transfer ⇄ City Center: $16
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $18
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Shanghai Stadium (Football Match, League of Legends): $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Shanghai Airport One Way Arrival and Departure Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area: $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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Santiago
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Santiago:
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Metro Ride$1.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Santiago Airport (SCL) Private Transfer to Multiple Destinations: $18
- Official Transfer to Concha y Toro Winery: $27
- Private Transfer to Santiago Airport (SCL): $27
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $34
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Santiago: $37
- Airport Private Transfer to/from Santiago de Chile: $40
- Farellones Full Day Roundtrip Transfer: $40
- Transfer Santiago de Chile airport: $40
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $45
- Santiago to Santiago Airport (SCL) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Transfer to Snowy Valley fullday for skiers: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Santiago?
Prices for flights to both Santiago 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 $40Santiago $24
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.69
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Cantelope$1.77
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Dumplings and Soup$2.22
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Duck Dinner$4.43
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Pastries$3.10
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Barbeque Dinner$9.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.53
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $28
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$2.02
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Hamburger$2.69
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Dinner$28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Street Food Tour in Santiago with a Local Guide: $58
- Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $82
- 4-Hour Boozy Chilean Cooking Class in Santiago: $85
- 4h Cooking Class in Santiago : 8 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks: $85
- Food Tour STGO, Eat like Locals!: $99
- Santiago Food Tour: Bohemian Flavors and Local Gems: $109
- Dinner Show in Bali Hai with Wine refill and transportation: $114
- Private Dinner & Chilean Folk Show with Transfers: $116
- Alyan Winery Sunset with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $117
- Private Market Tour and Traditional Chilean Cooking Class in a Local Home: $125
- Bali Hai Dinner & Show, Transport and Wine refill: $128
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $9.02Santiago $51
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$30
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Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.53
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.53
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $4.00
- Shanghai Evolution Free Walking Tour: $4.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- Journey Back to Dunhuang Experience Voucher: $5.69
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.96
- Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket: $9.68
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- A historical tour of Santiago, Chile: $18
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $18
- Santiago City Tour: Living History and Local Food Tasting: $20
- Guided City Tour through the historic center of Santiago: $23
- Private Guided Walking Tour of the City Center: $24
- A Fabulous Walking tour by the Old Santiago of Chile -: $25
- Guided Walking Tour of the Historical Old Town: $25
- Yungay, Memory, Art, and Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
- Guided Tour of Santiago de Chile History and Culture: $25
- Santiago : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $26
- Santiago Half Day Culture Walking Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.87Santiago $9.02
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 (Guided Bar Hopping) with Shots Included: $26
Sample the Local Flavors in Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Traditional Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Official English: $27
- Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $59
- Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, with Wine Tasting: $60
- Valparaiso, Viña del Mar & Casablanca Wine Tour: $62
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $63
- Undurraga Wine tour: $70
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $75
- Valparaiso Port and Viña del Mar with Casablanca Wine Tasting: $75
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $75
- Inca Lagoon and Vineyard Visit with Wine Tasting: $80
- Half Day Trip to Cousiño Macul Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $87
When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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 Santiago 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 Santiago Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Santiago?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Santiago, 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 Santiago?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Santiago 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 Santiago in the Summer?
Both Santiago and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Shanghai is a little warmer than Santiago in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Santiago fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Santiagoin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShanghai 28°C (83°F)Santiago 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Santiago in the Autumn?
Both Santiago and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the autumn, Shanghai is a little warmer than Santiago. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Santiago averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.
Shanghai usually gets more rain in October than Santiagoin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShanghai 19°C (65°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Santiago in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Santiago. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Santiagoin July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Santiago fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Santiagoin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShanghai 4°C (39°F)Santiago 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Santiago in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Santiago. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Santiago in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Santiago fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in October.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Santiagoin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Santiago receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShanghai 15°C (58°F)Santiago 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Santiago and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Santiago | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.