Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Shanghai or Shenyang?
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 Shenyang. 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 Shenyang?
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".
Shenyang
Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Shenyang $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $70. 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 Shenyang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Shenyang $41
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Shenyang
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Shenyang? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Shenyang $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
-
Taxi Ride$3.59
-
Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- private transfer from Wusongkou CruisePort to Disneyland and back: $64
- [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Self-Guide 10-Hour Private Transfer Tour: $138
- Zhujiajiao Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $75
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Water Town Private Transfer Service from Shanghai : $103
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Yiwu City Private Transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport : $74
- Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai with Private Transfer: $100
- Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Transfer from Shanghai: $132
- Wusongkou Cruise Terminal to Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Port Transfer: $87
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Shanghai APT-HTL (PVG,SHA): $51
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Shenyang?
Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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
-
Food Meals for one dayShanghai $21Shenyang $18
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
-
Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
-
Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
-
Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
-
Cantelope$1.66
-
Dumplings and Soup$2.07
-
Duck Dinner$4.15
-
Pastries$2.90
-
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 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
- 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
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Shenyang $7.70
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
-
30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
-
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
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Days Shanghai Quality Group Tour: $110
- 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
- 1 day Shanghai to Hangzhou Mini Group Tour: $131
- 1 day Shanghai to Suzhou Garden Mini Group tour: $116
- 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: $229
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road: $190
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.36Shenyang $5.83
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: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Shenyang, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Shenyang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Shenyang?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Shenyang. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shanghai or Shenyang in the Summer?
Both Shenyang and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Shanghai is a little warmer than Shenyang in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shanghai. In the summer, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Shenyang. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun.
Shenyang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Shenyang. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Shenyang 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Shenyang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Shenyang. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Shanghai is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Shenyang 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Shenyang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Shenyang. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Shenyang can be very cold during winter. Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).
In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Shenyang -11°C (13°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Shenyang in the Spring?
Both Shenyang and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Shanghai is a little warmer than Shenyang in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Shenyang. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Shenyang 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Shenyang and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Shenyang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | -7°C (19°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.