A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Seattle for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Shanghai or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a diverse, bustling, and trendy port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Shanghai and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Seattle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seattle than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seattle is more popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, beaches, and hiking, while Shanghai is known for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Seattle is popular for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle.

How is Shanghai different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Seattle?

Shanghai is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Shanghai on the map. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Shanghai is not a theatre destination.

Seattle offers a number of shows and performances. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Shanghai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Seattle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Seattle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is notable for its live music scene. However, Shanghai is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Seattle is a popular spot for hiking. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Seattle?

Shanghai is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Shanghai is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Families?

Shanghai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Shanghai is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Seattle is a family-friendly port city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Couples?

Shanghai is renowned for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Seattle is a good port city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Students?

Shanghai and Seattle are both great destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Seattle is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Is Shanghai or Seattle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Shanghai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Shanghai or Seattle a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Seattle both are great when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Seattle is a very walkable destination. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Seattle. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Seattle. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Shanghai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Seattle. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Seattle if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Seattle?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The city of Seattle offers shopping and museums. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Seattle?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Seattle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Seattle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Seattle?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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 from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Seattle?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shanghai or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Seattle. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Seattle. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Shanghai is cooler than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Seattle. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Seattle. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Shanghai is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Seattle. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Shanghai