China · tool
How much does Shanghai cost?
Daily budget breakdown across three tiers — so you can realistically plan your Shanghai trip before you book anything.
Photo by Nuno Alberto on Unsplash
Shanghai, China travel budget
Realistic daily cost per person across three spending tiers. All figures in USD.
Budget
$45–$75
per day
Hostels, street food, public transit
Accommodation
$15–$25
Hostel dorm beds or budget guesthouses.
Food
$10–$20
Street food, local eateries, and convenience store snacks.
Transport
$5–$10
Extensive and affordable metro system, occasional local bus.
Activities
$5–$10
Exploring parks, markets, and free museum days.
Misc
$10–$10
Small souvenirs, bottled water, occasional small treat.
Mid-range
$120–$210
per day
3-star hotels, mix of restaurants, some taxis
Accommodation
$50–$90
Comfortable 3-star hotels or well-located Airbnb apartments.
Food
$30–$50
Mix of casual restaurants, local specialties, and mid-range cafes.
Transport
$15–$30
Metro, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Didi.
Activities
$20–$30
Museum entries, boat tours, observation decks.
Misc
$5–$10
Snacks, coffee, small incidentals.
Luxury
$310–$700
per day
4-5 star hotels, premium dining, private transfers
Accommodation
$150–$300
5-star hotels with premium amenities and views.
Food
$70–$150
Fine dining, tasting menus, and international cuisine.
Transport
$50–$100
Private car services, airport transfers, and chauffeured vehicles.
Activities
$30–$100
Exclusive tours, private guides, high-end cultural performances.
Misc
$10–$50
Spa treatments, high-end shopping, premium beverages.
Destination-specific money tips
- •UnionPay is the dominant card network; Visa/Mastercard are accepted mainly in tourist-oriented hotels and high-end stores.
- •Use ATMs inside major banks (e.g., Bank of China, ICBC) to minimize foreign transaction fees.
- •Bargaining is expected in markets, but not in department stores or supermarkets.
- •While many things are affordable, imported goods and Western-style cafes can be surprisingly expensive.
- •Tipping is not a cultural norm in China; attempting to tip can sometimes cause confusion or awkwardness.
Plan the rest of your Shanghai trip
Trip budgets elsewhere