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 $103Shanghai $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $103, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $130. 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 $60Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $120Shanghai $162
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Shanghai $3.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport Transfer: $18
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Xi'an Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $25
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $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$3.58
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $130
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport & Hongqiao Airport : $45
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Pudong Airport : $43
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Amazing Shanghai Night Lights:River Cruise &Private Transfer: $126
- Arrival Private Transfer Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai City by Standard Sedan: $74
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $117
- Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
- Chartered Transfer Vehicle in Shanghai: $200
- Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
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 $21Shanghai $37
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 Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $30
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xian Food Tour in Muslim Quarter: $36
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.15
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Cantelope$1.65
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Dumplings and Soup$2.06
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Duck Dinner$4.13
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Pastries$2.89
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Barbeque Dinner$8.80
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: $3.41
- MingleX Dinner with Shanghai locals: $19
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- 3 Hours City Walk in French Concession and Street Food Tour: $60
- Shanghai Half day Biking and Local Food Tour: $66
- Evening Walking Food Tour: $69
- A Delicious Food Tour Through the Heart of the City: $71
- Eat Like a Local Shanghai Breakfast Food Tour: $79
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $35Shanghai $8.39
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: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Huaqing Palace Tickets with Optional show of Xi'an incident: $20
- Xi'an ：City Wall Entry Electronic Ticket: $21
- MuBus: Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum Bus Tour with Options: $25
- Terracotta Army Admission Ticket Booking - Optional Guide Service: $25
- Xi'an: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Entrance Ticket: $25
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket Optional Tang Dynasty Show Ticket: $26
- Terra-cotta Warriors Show Optional Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket : $27
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:
- Discover the Shanghai Bund: A Cultural Journey with Latin Tour Guides: $0.14
- Shanghai Fuxing INS - All Access Ticket for 7 nightclubs: $1.14
- French Concession Walking Tour with a Real Local-Tip Based!: $2.26
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour With A Real Local-Tip Based: $2.26
- The COMPLETE Shanghai Walking Tour City Center+French Concession: $3.40
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.41
- Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai Hidden Histories Walking Tour: Suzhou Creek to The Bund: $5.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- YuGarden Adult Ticket - 09:00 & 12:30 Two Periods: $8.55
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.20Shanghai $7.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 4-Hour Shanghai Pub Crawl (bars & nightclub hopping): $23
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.