A Travel Price Comparison for China Tianjin vs. Shanghai for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Tianjin or Shanghai?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tianjin or Shanghai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Shanghai?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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".

Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Tianjin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $77, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $118. 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 Tianjin and Shanghai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $35
    Shanghai $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $70
    Shanghai $166
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Shanghai

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin or Shanghai? 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.

Hotels in Tianjin


Hotels in Shanghai


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.
    Tianjin $37
    Shanghai $3.96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $13
  • Tianjin Airport Chauffeur Service, Tianjin Airport Transfer: $18
  • Private airport transfer to or from Tianjin International Airport max 5: $26
  • Private airport transfer to or from TianJin International Airport max 5: $26
  • Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Tianjin Railway Station: $26
  • Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $28
  • Private Tianjin Railway Station Transfer from City Hotels: $28
  • Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport(TSN): $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotels: $28
  • Tianjin Binhai Airport Chauffeur Service , Tianjin Airport Transfer,Pickup: $30
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Tianjin West Railway Station to Tianjin city hotel: $33

Typical Local Transportation prices in Shanghai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.68
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • Private Day tour of Xi'an From Shanghai Including Transfer Service: $1,100
  • Private Mutianyu Great Wall Tour From Shanghai's Hotel Including Transfer: $1,100
  • Private Beijing One Day Tour From Shanghai 's Hotel Including Transfer Service: $1,036
  • Private Day Trip Of Xi'an From Your Shanghai's hotel Including Transfer Service: $1,000
  • Private Day Tour Of Beijing From Shanghai's Hotel Including Flight And Transfer: $1,000
  • 2-Day Huangshan Tour by Cable Car with Private Transfer and Lunch from Shanghai: $653
  • 3 Days Shanghai Suzhou Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $555
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai Pudong Airport and Yiwu Per Vehicle Price: $388
  • Shanghai Luxury Airport Transfer: $332
  • Transfer from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Nantong Downtown Per Vehicle Price: $265
  • Shanghai Disneyland with Transfers Plus 2-Night Accommodation in 4-Star Hotels: $264
  • Super High-End Luxury Private Transfers Between City and Shanghai Airports: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Shanghai?

Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Tianjin 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 day
    Tianjin $21
    Shanghai $22

Typical Food prices in Shanghai

Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.41
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $21
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.36
  • Cantelope
    $1.70
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.12
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.24
  • Pastries
    $2.97
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $9.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.

  • Online Chinese Cooking Class: $22
  • Old Shanghai Breakfast Food Tour: $52
  • 3-Hour Shanghai Summer Night Local Dinner and Shopping Private Tour: $65
  • Private Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with Vegetarian Option: $69
  • Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local: $70
  • 3-Hour Shanghai City Walking Tour with Dinner: $74
  • Shanghai yummy food tour: $75
  • A Bite of Shanghai Small-Group Food Tour: $80
  • Shanghai Hairy Crab Dinner: $85
  • Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno: $85
  • Night Market & Street Food Tour in Shanghai: $95
  • 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $11
    Shanghai $8.63

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • Chinese Traditional Clothing and Culture Tour: $46
  • 4- Hour Tianjin Local Food & Tea Tour: $101
  • 2 to 3hours shopping Tour at Tianjin Tanggu Foreign goods market by Car: $118
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $120
  • Tianjin City Private Walking Day Tour: $133
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Hotel With the English Speaking Driver: $150
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $156
  • Private Panda House and Summer Palace Day Tour: $160
  • 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
  • Private Tianjin Fishing Tour with Dumplings: $168
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Tianjin Private Day Tour: China House, Ancient Culture Street and Tianjin Eye: $178

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:

  • 1 Day Bus Tour in Amazing Shanghai Highlights: $113
  • 1 Day Hangzhou Private Tour: $312
  • 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
  • 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
  • 1 Day of Shanghai Premiere Experience: $730
  • 1 day Nanjing tour from Shanghai by train: $400
  • 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
  • 1-Day Authentic Shanghai Tour by Walking & Metro: $193
  • 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: $204
  • 1-Day Private Shanghai to Wuzhen Tour to Admire the Classical Water Town: $271
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Hangzhou by car from Shanghai: $305
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road: $178

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Shanghai $7.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai

Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
  • 3 Hour Local Craft Beer Crawl with Brewery Tour: $350

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Tianjin.


When is the best time to visit Tianjin or 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.

Should I visit Tianjin or Shanghai in the Summer?

Both Shanghai and Tianjin during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July are around 27°C (80°F), and Shanghai is about 28°C (83°F).

In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the summer, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Shanghai in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Shanghai. Also, 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 October, Tianjin is generally cooler than Shanghai. Temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Shanghai stays around 19°C (65°F).

In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Shanghai 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Shanghai in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Shanghai. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. It's quite cold in Tianjin in the winter. Tianjin is much colder than Shanghai in the winter. The temperature in Tianjin is usually -3°C (27°F) in January, and Shanghai stays around 4°C (39°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Shanghai 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Shanghai in the Spring?

Both Shanghai and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April are around 14°C (58°F), and Shanghai is about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Tianjin

Tianjin Shanghai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)


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