Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Yichang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yichang or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yichang 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: Yichang or Shanghai?
Yichang
Yichang, China is an ancient city situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in central China. The city is located just below the famed Three Gorges Dam and is a popular ending point for many Yangtze River cruises. Yichang offers beautiful natural scenery and ancient relics from the Three Kingdom Period.
Yichang experiences cool, rainy, winters and hot, humid, summers. Temperatures tend to stay in the 40's Fahrenheit during winter and the 80's in the summer. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are fantastic times to visit, although if you prefer to beat the heat, stay away during late summer!
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYichang $58Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Yichang is $58, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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 Yichang and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYichang $24Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYichang $48Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Yichang and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Yichang 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.Yichang $14Shanghai $3.87
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$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
- Private Transfer: National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) and City Hotel: $26
- Private Departure Transfer to Hongqiao Railway Station from Shanghai City: $26
- Private Transfer to Shanghai South Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $26
- [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Yichang or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Yichang 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 dayYichang $22Shanghai $21
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$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
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
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local: $116
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yichang $18Shanghai $8.44
Tours and Activities in Yichang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yichang are as follows:
- Yichang Tourist Center to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH): $53
- Private Tour: Essence of Yichang Day Tour: $165
- Private Day Tour in Yichang to Sanyou Cave and Sanxia Waterfall : $239
- Yichang hotel/Sanxia Tourist Center/Maoping pier to Zhangjiajie: $290
- From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals: $761
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:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
- 4-Hour Sunset Bike Tour in Shanghai: $49
- Small Group 2.5-Hour Walking Tour - Spots Hiding Behind the Shanghai Bund: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYichang $14Shanghai $7.36
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: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yichang and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Yichang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yichang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yichang 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 Yichang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yichang Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yichang or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Yichang. When comparing the sizes of Yichang 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 Yichang or Shanghai?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Yichang or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Yichang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Yichang is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yichang in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Yichang. Yichang usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Yichang gets 206 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 Yichang. In July, Yichang usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Yichang gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYichang 29°C (85°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Yichang or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Yichang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, 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, Yichang is generally around the same temperature as Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Yichang average around 20°C (67°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In the autumn, Yichang often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Yichang gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Yichang usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Yichang 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 OctoberYichang 20°C (67°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Yichang or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yichang and Shanghai. Also, 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. Yichang is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Yichang averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Yichang usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Yichang gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Yichang usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Yichang gets 20 mm (0.8 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 JanuaryYichang 6°C (43°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Yichang or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Yichang as well as Shanghai. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the spring, Yichang is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yichang in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
In the spring, Yichang often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Yichang gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Yichang usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Shanghai. Yichang gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYichang 18°C (65°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Yichang
| Yichang | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 229 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.