Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Aqaba?
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 Aqaba or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba 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: Aqaba or Shanghai?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Shanghai $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, 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 Aqaba and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Shanghai $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Shanghai $3.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Petra hotels: $49
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $49
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $49
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $56
- Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $56
- Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $56
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
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:
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $130
- Tongli and Xitang Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $114
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Arrival Private Transfer Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai by Sedan: $60
- 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 Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $123
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Departure Transfer from Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG by Sedan: $60
- ERA Acrobatics Show Ticket with Private Transfer: $54
- Flexible Hours of Private Shanghai Layover or Transfer Tour: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $73Shanghai $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
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.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.58
- MingleX Dinner with Shanghai locals: $19
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum 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: $85
- Shanghai Cooking Dumpling and Taste Local Food w/Vegan Option: $87
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Shanghai $8.55
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
- Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
- Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
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:
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.58
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tickets with options (near the Bund): $8.50
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $9.00
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking: $11
- Yu/Yuyuan Garden Entry Ticket-E ticket: $13
- Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Hop On Hop Off City Tour: $19
- JinMao Tower Ticket Pass Experience: $22
- Huangpu River sightseeing Cruise Ticket from ShiliuPu Pier: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Shanghai $7.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Shanghai, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Shanghai is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Shanghai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is a little warmer than Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Shanghai. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, 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 the autumn, Aqaba is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 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 OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Winter?
Both Shanghai and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. 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. In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
Aqaba is much warmer than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°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.