How much does a trip to Shanghai cost?
Shanghai is cheaper on the ground than its skyline suggests — metro fares open at ¥3 and both Shanghai Museum campuses give away their permanent galleries — but lodging and the calendar can move a budget hard. Set your trip below for an honest estimate in yuan: a range, not a fake-precise number, across lodging, food, getting around and activities. Adjust the nights, travelers, hotel vs. rental and your style, and the total updates instantly.
Nights
3
Travelers
2
Stay
Style
Estimated total · 3 nights, 2 travelers, mid-range hotel
¥3,250 – ¥7,200
≈ ¥1,100–¥2,400 per day · excludes flights
Lodging — 1 room × 3 nights per room · ¥450–¥900/night | ¥1,350 – ¥2,700 |
Food — 2 travelers × 3 days ¥200–¥400/person/day | ¥1,200 – ¥2,400 |
Metro, Didi & taxis Metro fares + day passes · ¥40–¥100/person/day | ¥250 – ¥600 |
Attractions & activities ¥80–¥250/person/day | ¥475 – ¥1,500 |
- These are ranges from typical prices — estimates, not quotes. Real costs shift with season, dates and choices.
- Excludes flights / getting there.
- Hotel lodging assumes ~2 travelers per room.
- Budget leans on the free + cheap; premium assumes restaurants, guided experiences and comfort.
Want the plan those costs pay for? See Shanghai in 3 days and where to stay. For ways to cut costs, read Shanghai on a budget.