Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Have you ever thought about how much does it cost to travel to China? In this post, we’re sharing our budget-friendly travel tips and experiences to help you navigate the real cost of living in Shanghai.
Whether you’re a budget traveler or looking for high-end tourism, visit China to explore a range of affordable options for accommodation, public transport, and train tickets.
Additionally, we’ll give you an overview of the trip to China cost, including expenses such as domestic flights, hotels, transportation, and food.
Public Transportation Costs
Getting around Shanghai (and Beijing, Guangzhou) is a breeze, and it won’t break the bank! Transportation costs in Chinese cities like Shanghai are quite affordable.
We’ve found that using Hello Bike is an economical choice, costing just 7 yuan for a week. Perfect for short distances!
For longer trips, the metro is our go-to, averaging 5 yuan for a 30-minute ride. Don’t forget to download Alipay and WeChat for hassle-free payments on all public transport, and use the transport QR code for public transportation.
To get the best deals on transportation, make sure to compare prices using popular websites (trip.com) for domestic flights and English train booking services in case you cannot speak Chinese.
The Shanghai Metro offers a cost-effective and convenient way to travel around the city in 2024. Single journey tickets start at 3 yuan for distances under 6 kilometers, with an additional 1 yuan for every 10 kilometers thereafter.
For frequent travelers, the Shanghai Public Transportation Card provides easy access and potential discounts. Tourists can opt for a 1-day travel pass at 18 yuan or a 3-day travel pass at 45 yuan, allowing unlimited metro rides within the respective periods. These options make it easy and affordable to explore all that Shanghai has to offer.
It’s also easy to call a taxi using DiDi on WeChat, with about 16 Yuan/mile drive depending on the car model you are requesting on the app; the more comfortable and fast responding, the more expensive.
Coffee Shops
Coffee lovers, this one’s for you! We compared Costa Coffee with the local favorite, Luckin Coffee. While Costa Coffee’s prices in Shanghai are similar to those in the UK, making it less budget-friendly, Luckin Coffee offers great quality at half the price. If you’re looking to save money while enjoying your caffeine fix, Luckin Coffee is the way to go.
The average price of a Starbucks coffee is comparable to other major cities. A latte typically costs around 33 yuan (approximately $4.60 USD). Specialty drinks and larger sizes are priced higher, while simpler beverages may cost slightly less. Overall, Starbucks in Shanghai offers a range of prices similar to its global pricing structure.
Supermarket and Online Supermarket Food Costs
Shopping in Shanghai supermarkets can be surprisingly affordable. We found beer for a steal, shampoo priced at 36 yuan for 400g, and a large bottle of Coke Zero for just 4.5 yuan. Spirits, wine, and water are also cheap – you can get 1.5 liters of water for only 2.8 yuan. These budget-friendly prices make daily shopping easy on the wallet.
In addition to everyday items, supermarkets also offer a variety of authentic Chinese food, allowing you to experience local specialties like Shanghai bun, Guangdong DimSum and Sichuan hot pot.
Foreigner-friendly supermarkets are easy to find in Shanghai, such as Aldi, Costco, Sam. Aldi also provides mini-program on WeChat for free delivery. Check our full guide on online supermarket apps.
Mid-Range Restaurants
Eating out in Shanghai doesn’t have to be expensive. We discovered that a hot pot meal in a local restaurant costs around 30 yuan per person, and you can get a burger for about 12 yuan. Compared to other dining options, these food costs are quite reasonable.
Street food is also an affordable and authentic dining option, allowing you to experience uniquely Chinese cuisine at a lower cost.
These prices make it possible to enjoy delicious food without overspending. We also explored a variety of other affordable dining options in the city. When planning your China tour, budgeting for meals at mid-range restaurants can help you enjoy delicious food without overspending.
Dinner and Mid-Range Hotels
For dinner, we opted for delicious beef noodles, costing 18 yuan each. Our accommodation is a small budget room with basic amenities. Accommodation costs in China vary depending on the type of lodging, city, and travel season. Mid range hotels are an affordable lodging option in Shanghai, with rooms available for $40 per night for 2 people, but they may not be foreigner-friendly.
Though it has some quirks like limited storage and a glass-walled bathroom, its proximity to the metro station makes it a convenient choice for our stay. It’s a great example of affordable lodging in Shanghai.
Many China tours offer affordable and customizable options, allowing you to enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals without breaking the bank.
It’s also easy to find high-end and luxury hotels in Shanghai, which have similar prices to global prices.
General Observations on Chinese Cities
One thing we love about Shanghai is how patient and helpful the locals are, especially with non-Chinese speakers like us. A China trip can be affordable and enjoyable, with reliable public transportation and plenty of budget-friendly dining options.
These factors make Shanghai an affordable and welcoming destination for travelers, allowing you to enjoy the city without overspending. Overall travel costs in China can be quite manageable, with affordable options for accommodation, transportation, and dining.
We hope these tips help you plan your own budget adventure in Shanghai.
Happy travels!
