Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
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".
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
-
Tianjin Prices
China PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $97Shanghai $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $97, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $140. 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 personTianjin $37Shanghai $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $74Shanghai $174
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.
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 $39Shanghai $4.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tianjin Airport pickup, Tianjin Airport -Beijing private transfer: $14
- Tianjin Binhai Airport(TSN) to Tianjin - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
- Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
- Tianjin Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Arrival Transfer from Tianjin Airport TSN to Tianjin City: $60
- Departure Transfer from Tianjin City to Tianjin Airport TSN: $60
- Private Tianjin Transfer to Xingang International Cruise Port from City Hotels: $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
-
Taxi Ride$3.84
-
Two Subway Tickets$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Shanghai to Xi’an Bullet Train Ticket with Local Hotel Private Transfers: $245
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area: $226
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $211
- Shanghai To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer: $211
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Shanghai Legoland One Day Tour with Round Trip Transfer: $198
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $179
- Shanghai to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Hongqiao Station Transfer: $174
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen: $166
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Xitang Water Town: $157
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
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 dayTianjin $38Shanghai $40
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
-
Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
-
Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
-
Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.69
-
Cantelope$1.77
-
Dumplings and Soup$2.22
-
Duck Dinner$4.43
-
Pastries$3.10
-
Barbeque Dinner$9.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.49
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $28
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Market to Table Chinese Cooking Experience: $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $11Shanghai $9.02
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $169
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
- Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $228
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
- Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $238
- Tian jin harbor cruise to Beijng all-inclusive day trip: $239
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
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$30
-
Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai City Private Tour + Zhujiajiao Water Town: $230
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $198
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour (Departure from Shanghai): $240
- 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
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden,the Bund & Huangpu River Cruise: $213
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town,Nanjing Road and the Bund: $221
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town,the Bund and World Financial Center: $256
- 1-Day Shanghai Tour to Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple: $224
- 13 day private tour : Splendid China+ important highlights: $4,106
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $12Shanghai $7.87
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 (Guided Bar Hopping) with Shots Included: $26
- Shanghai Bar Crawl Craft Beers and TCM Cocktails: $71
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tianjin. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin and Shanghai, 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 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 average around 27°C (80°F), and Shanghai averages at 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 JulyTianjin 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. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Shanghai fluctuates 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 OctoberTianjin 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 daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates 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 JanuaryTianjin -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 average around 14°C (58°F), and Shanghai averages at 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 AprilTianjin 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) |
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.