Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Suzhou?
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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou?
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".
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Suzhou $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $102. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Suzhou $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Suzhou? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Suzhou $57
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $25
- Suzhou Private Arrival Transfer:Railway Station to City Hotel: $27
- Private Departure Transfer to Suzhou Train Station from City Hotel: $44
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Departure Transfer to Shanghai Airport from Suzhou City Hotel: $68
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $21Suzhou $32
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Lunch or Dinner Option: $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Suzhou $9.34
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 Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
- Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
- Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
- Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
- Private Tour of Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road: $144
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.36Suzhou $6.41
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
When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Suzhou, 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Suzhou?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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 Suzhou in the Summer?
Both Suzhou and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Suzhou. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Suzhou. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Suzhou. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Suzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Suzhou. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In the winter, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).
Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Suzhou. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Suzhou. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Suzhou. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.