Which place is cheaper, Santiago or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Santiago $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Santiago is $141. 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 $81Santiago $110
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Santiago $220
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 $3.87Santiago $5.41
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:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shared Transfer: from Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
- Private Transfer between Qibao Ancient Water Town and Shanghai City Area : $25
- Private Transfer: National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) and City Hotel: $26
- Private Transfer: Shanghai New International Expo Centre and City Hotels: $26
- Private Transfer to Shanghai South Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $26
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$1.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santiago
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santiago:
- Arturo Merino Benítez Intl Airport: Shared Transfer: $24
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $25
- Private Departure Transfer from Santiago- Santiago Airport (SCL): $27
- Santiago Airport (SCL) to Santiago hotels - Arrival Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer: $31
- Private Transfer from Santiago Airport to Santiago: $32
- Departure Transfer - Hotel in Santiago to Santiago International Airport: $35
- From Farellones/Valle Nevado Roundtrip Transfer: $35
- Private Santiago Airport to Santiago Transfer: $35
- Valle Nevado Ski Day Trip with Hotel Transfers: $39
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Santiago Airport (SCL) - Santiago de Chile City: $49
- Santiago de Chile Private Arrival transfer - Santiago International Airport: $50
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 $21Santiago $13
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 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
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- 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
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $129
- Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option: $130
Typical Food Prices in Santiago
Some typical examples of dining costs in Santiago are as follows:
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Empanada$1.89
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Hamburger$2.50
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Dinner$26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santiago
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Santiago.
- Sunset Winery Tour with Wine Tastings and Dinner: $45
- Sunset at Alyan Family Wines Winery with Dinner: $95
- Traditional Dinner Show in Santiago: $107
- Sunset Alyan + 6 wines + savory board + rustic dinner + dessert: $119
- Small-Group Night City Tour: San Cristobal Hill and Dinner Show: $120
- San Cristobal Hill Night Tour with Dinner Show: $129
- Private Tour: Santiago at Night with Dinner and Show: $131
- Private Night City Tour with San Cristobal Hill And Dinner Show: $131
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour with Dinner and Show: $150
- Private Dinner and Show with Transfers: $158
- Traditional Chilean Cooking Class with a Local in Her Santiago Countryside Home: $168
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Santiago $47
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:
- 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
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port to Hongqiao Airport:Private with Meet service: $40
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Haipai Culture Tour｜Shanghai's Past, Present & Future On One Road: $43
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Small Group 2.5-Hour Walking Tour - Spots Hiding Behind the Shanghai Bund: $51
- Herb Market, Taoist Temple and Tai Chi Bike Tour: $52
Tours and Activities in Santiago
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Santiago are as follows:
- Explore Santiago's Soul: Walking In-App Audio Tour: $5.00
- Santiago Cathedral's Bell Tower Official Tour: $9.00
- Cable Car Admission Ticket: $15
- La Paz from the Heights: Walking tour and Three Telefericos.: $20
- Undurraga Sibaris Tour Ticket: $22
- Cousiño Macul Official Winery Tour with Tasting: $23
- Walking tour through Santiago: $26
- From Valle Nevado and Farellones Small Group Tour: $29
- History Walking Tour in Chile: $29
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $33
- Viña Del Mar, Valparaiso, Casablanca & Reñaca Tour: $34
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Santiago de Chile: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.36Santiago $8.41
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 Santiago
Also in Santiago, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Premium Wine Tour in Viña Cousiño Macul Spanish official: $37
- Undurraga Winery Tour with Entry and Wine Tasting: $50
- Concha y Toro Ticket and Tour with Wine Tasting: $50
- Undurraga Wine Tasting Tour from Santiago: $62
- Undurraga Wine tour: $63
- Half Day Trip to Undurraga Vineyard from Santiago - Wine Tasting Included: $70
- Premium Wine Tasting in Santiago de Chile: $77
- From Concha y Toro Marqués Half-Day Wine Tasting: $89
- Private Tour: Undurraga Vineyard Experience with Premium Wine Tasting: $92
- From Maipo Valley Wine Tour: $99
- Concha y Toro semi-private tour with 3 wine tastings: $99
- Maipo Valley Wine Tour with 4 vineyards from Santiago.: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Santiago, we can see that Santiago 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 Santiago is in South America, 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 Santiago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santiago 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 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.