A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bandung vs. Shenzhen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bandung or Shenzhen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Bandung or Shenzhen? 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: Bandung or Shenzhen?

Bandung

Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Bandung?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $45, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $149. 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 Bandung and Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bandung $19
    Shenzhen $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bandung $38
    Shenzhen $194
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Shenzhen? 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.

Hotels in Bandung


Hotels in Shenzhen


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: Bandung Hotel Prices and Shenzhen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bandung $5.19
    Shenzhen $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung

Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Ujung Genteng Sukabumi to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $235
  • Private Transfer from Tasikmalaya to Bandung Airport (BDO): $143
  • Private Transfer from Sukatani Bekasi to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $56
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Sukamakmur Bogor to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $63
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Cianjur Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $115
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Cianjur Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $115
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Bandung to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $115
  • Private Transfer from Sukarasa Kuningan Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $188
  • Private Transfer from Sukarasa Kuningan Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $177
  • Private Transfer from Sukarasa Bogor to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $79
  • Private Transfer from Sukabungah to Bandung Airport (BDO): $36
  • Private Transfer from Subang to Bandung Airport (BDO): $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Venetian Macao and Macau Heritage Tour with 2-way ferry transfers from Hong Kong: $115
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hong Kong APT-HTL (HKG): $128
  • Stress-Free Hong Kong hotels to HongKong Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
  • Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Shenzhen to Dongguan Transfer with English-Speaking Driver: $180
  • Shenzhen Private transfer and Ongoing assistance: $39
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer & Chauffeur with Elite Assistant: $199
  • Shenzhen Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
  • Shenzhen Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
  • Shenzhen Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
  • Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Bandung 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bandung $22
    Shenzhen $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bandung

For Bandung, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Indonesian Cooking Class with Welcoming Exotic Fruits: $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
  • Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
  • Hong Kong Market Walking Tour & Chinese Cooking Class: $131
  • Temple Street Night Market Tour plus Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise: $131
  • Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
  • Hong Kong Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $143
  • Private Authentic Hong Kong's Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $159
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $169
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $175
  • Layover Tour from airport - Classic Hong Kong with Tram Ride and Dinner Cruise: $181
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour: $186

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bandung $5.11
    Shenzhen $18

Tours and Activities in Bandung

For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 7 Hour Private Bandung City Tour: $148
  • BANDUNG : MAKE CUSTOMIZED TOUR WITH CAR CHARTER AND DRIVER: $78
  • Bandung : White Crater, Tea Plantation Tour Guide Bandung: $66
  • Bandung Crater Adventure Hotspring and Mud Bath all included: $66
  • Bandung Old Town: A Historic City Square Walking Tour: $16
  • Bandung One Day Tour Package: $160
  • Bandung Tour All In, White Crater, Volcano Mountain, Hot Spring: $58
  • Bandung Tour Volcano, Hotsprings, Mud, Tea, Lunch all Included: $54
  • Bandung Tour: White Crater or Active Mountain and Tea Plantation: $42
  • Bandung Volcano Sightseeing and Hot Spring Private Tour: $41
  • Kawah Putih Day Tours: $59
  • Sanghyang Kenit Cave and Rainbow Waterfall Tour: $62

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 5-Hour Private Customized Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $265
  • A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $108
  • A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour With Locals: $131
  • Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $39
  • BYD Shenzhen Factory Tour With Pickup From Hong Kong: $157
  • Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $103
  • Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
  • Big Bus Hong Kong Panoramic Night Tour by Open-Top Bus: $45
  • Bus Tours in Hong Kong: $45
  • Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
  • City Tour and Film Portrait in Hong Kong: $157
  • Congjiang and Zhaoxing Tour by Bullet Train with Pickup from Hong Kong: $284

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bandung $3.11
    Shenzhen $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen than you might in Bandung.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bandung or Shenzhen?

Bandung has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Shenzhen, 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.