Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Xi'an?
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 Xi'an or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xi'an and Shanghai can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Xi'an or Shanghai?
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Xi'an Prices
China PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $110Shanghai $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $110, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $139. 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 Xi'an and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $64Shanghai $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $128Shanghai $172
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an 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: Xi'an Hotel Prices and Shanghai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $13Shanghai $4.12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xian Terracotta Army Tickets Optional Tour Guide and Transfer: $22
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Xian Airport transfer, Pickup: $23
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport to Hotels:Private transfer with Meet & Great service: $27
- Xianyang/Xi'An to Xianyang Airport XIY-Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi'an North Railway Station Transfer To Downtown Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $30
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$3.82
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Two Subway Tickets$0.88
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $120
- Departure Transfer from Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG by Sedan: $61
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $93
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA): Private Transfer To/From Shanghai Hotels: $48
- Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port Private Transfer: $36
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $130
- Nantong City Private Transfer from Hongqiao Railway Station: $104
- Nanxun Ancient Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Shanghai: $123
- PVG Airport Private Transfer to or from Shanghai Disney Resort: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Xi'an 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 dayXi'an $23Shanghai $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Tang Dynasty Royal Show Optinal Dinner With Round-trip Transfers: $38
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $39
- Skip The Line Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Or Dinner With Transfer: $39
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.47
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$21
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.65
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Cantelope$1.77
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Dumplings and Soup$2.21
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Duck Dinner$4.41
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Pastries$3.09
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Barbeque Dinner$9.41
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
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Shanghai Xiaolongbao Cooking Class with Instructor: $75
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $38Shanghai $8.98
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Terracotta Army+Gaint Goose Pagoda+City Wall Bus Tour with Option: $17
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show Optional HuaqingPalace Ticket: $20
- Morning Tour to Terracotta Warriors Museum with Lunch: $20
- Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall Full Day Tour: $20
- Huaqing Palace Adult Ticket[Direct Subway Access]: $20
- Shaanxi History Museum Admission Tickets: $20
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$29
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Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- SMALL GROUP-Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.49
- SMALL GROUP-Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.49
- Shanghai Evolution Free Walking Tour: $5.00
- Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- Customized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao: $5.00
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.88
- Shanghai The Bund Walking Tour with Audio Guide on Smartphone: $9.31
- Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket: $9.68
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.70Shanghai $7.83
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Bar Crawl: TCM Cocktails & Local Craft Beer: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Xi'an.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Xi'an. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an 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.
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.