Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Cebu?
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 Cebu or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Shanghai? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cebu or Shanghai?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Shanghai $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, 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 Cebu and Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Shanghai $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Cebu 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: Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Shanghai $3.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $28
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $89
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $102
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:
- Private Transfer Shanghai Airport PVG / SHA to Shanghai / Suzhou: $14
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $15
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
- 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 Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai City - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Shanghai City to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport private transfer to hotels downtown.: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai and Cebu 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 dayCebu $36Shanghai $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $45
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $89
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $98
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $107
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
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.Cebu $17Shanghai $8.55
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $21
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $32
- Adventure Hiking Trip in the City: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $39
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $44
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
- Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
- Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $51
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 dayCebu $14Shanghai $7.46
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu 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 Cebu or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Cebu is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. It's quite rainy in Cebu. In July, Cebu usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Cebu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 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 OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. Cebu is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 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 JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Shanghai. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Cebu
| Cebu | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.