Which city is cheaper, Venice or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Venice. 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 is a modern, cosmopolitan, and professional 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Venice and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Plenty of people visit the sights and museums in both Shanghai and Venice.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Shanghai a bit more than Venice.
Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
Venice is becoming an appealing option for foodies. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
Evening events are similar in both Shanghai and Venice.
There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Venice. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Both Shanghai and Venice are good shopping destinations.
The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
Both Shanghai and Venice are family-friendly destinations.
Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
Shanghai and Venice both fun destinations for a couple.
Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.
Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.
Both Shanghai and Venice are popular destinations for backpackers.
Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. 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.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
Shanghai and Venice are both good 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.
Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
Both Shanghai and Venice offer public transit options.
Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.
Visitors in Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
Shanghai and Venice both are comparable 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.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
Both Shanghai and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than Shanghai.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Shanghai is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Venice is 2-7 days.
Shanghai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
The beautiful city of Venice offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.
Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Venice 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Venice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the professional big city of Shanghai. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $118, while the average daily cost in Venice is $247. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shanghai and Venice in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Venice? 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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Venice 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice is in Europe, 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Shanghai.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Venice. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July are around 28°C (83°F), and Venice is about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Venice. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Venice. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Venice and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Venice. Temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Venice stays around 14°C (57°F).
Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Venice. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Venice and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Venice can be very cold. Shanghai can be very cold during winter. Shanghai is a little warmer than Venice in the winter. The temperature in Shanghai is usually 4°C (39°F) in January, and Venice stays around 3°C (37°F).
In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Venice. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.
Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Venice. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Venice. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.
In the spring, Shanghai is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April are around 15°C (58°F), and Venice is about 13°C (55°F).
Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Venice. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Shanghai | Venice | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.7 in) |
Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 50 mm (1.9 in) |
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