Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane or Shanghai, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Vientiane or Shanghai?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Bicycle Tours in Laos, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Laos, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Vientiane Prices
Laos PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVientiane $24Shanghai $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $24, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $132. 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 Vientiane and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $8.45Shanghai $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $17Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Vientiane Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.01Shanghai $3.93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Vientiane Private Transfer: Wattay Airport -Hotel-Railway Station: $9.90
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $20
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
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$3.64
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Two Subway Tickets$0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $19
- Yiwu Airport Private Transfer, airport pick up drop off services: $20
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
- Shanghai City to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area : $25
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
- Private Transfer: National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) and City Hotel: $26
- Shanghai Airport (PVG) to Shanghai - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Vientiane or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $12Shanghai $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Vientiane classic Food tour ( Included Food ): $78
- Night Market, Dinner, and Nightclub: $90
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour and Lunch: $95
- Vientiane Private Lao Cooking Class with Market Tour: $122
- Cooking Class Garden House: $335
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.40
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.29
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Cantelope$1.68
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Dumplings and Soup$2.10
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Duck Dinner$4.21
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Pastries$2.94
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Barbeque Dinner$8.97
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 Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Public Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai : $50
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Huangpu River Crystal Princess Cruise Ticket with dinner: $92
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $99
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
- Shanghai night cruise walking tour with delicious dinner: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.80Shanghai $8.55
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Laos Railway Tickets Easily: Avoid Long Queues & Wasted Time: $30
- Laos Railway Tickets Online: Skip Long Queues, Avoid Missing: $30
- Art, Culture, & Inspiration Guided Half-Day Tour: $52
- Half-Day City Tour with Patuxai and Buddha Park: $52
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- Vientiane Landmarks and Cultural Immersion Tour: $56
- Cultural Tour with Buddha Park and Patuxay: $58
- Vientiane IG tour & Patuxay monument: $59
- Half-Day City Tour - Morning or Afternoon: $65
- Vientiane Half Day City Tour: $80
- Vientiane : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $88
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $89
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:
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking: $11
- JinMao Tower Ticket Pass Experience: $22
- Huangpu River sightseeing Cruise Ticket from ShiliuPu Pier: $23
- Shanghai Yu Garden and Bund Private Walking Tour: $25
- Shanghai Riverside Small Group Guided Walking Tour: $35
- Shanghai Tower (The Top of Shanghai) Ticket Booking: $38
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Charming Shanghai French Concession Mini-group Walking Tour: $39
- Oriental Pearl Tower Ticket Booking - Optional Buffet: $42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.12Shanghai $7.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vientiane and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vientiane or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Vientiane is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. It's quite rainy in Vientiane. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVientiane 30°C (85°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Vientiane during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVientiane 28°C (83°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. Vientiane is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Vientiane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVientiane 24°C (75°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Shanghai. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Vientiane usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVientiane 31°C (88°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.