Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai or Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chiang Mai and Shenzhen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Chiang Mai or Shenzhen?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $51Shenzhen $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $51, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $127. 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 Chiang Mai and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $29Shenzhen $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $58Shenzhen $184
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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.
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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.11Shenzhen $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.24
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Moped Rental$5.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Wat Doi Suthep & Wat Phalat transfer (air conditioned van): $17
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $9.67
- Transfer: Chiang Mai to Huay Xai City, Laos: $50
- Transfer : From Chiang Mai to ChiangKhong Border,Chiang Rai: $47
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $170
- Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $41
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Private Car: Chiang Mai Airport Transfers : $28
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $165
- Transfers anywhere in Hong Kong: $141
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $132
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $121
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Business Car: $119
- Luxury Private Tesla Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (From/To HKG): $115
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $107
- Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong City Private Arrival Transfer: $92
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $92
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $12Shenzhen $20
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.02
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.74
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Casual Breakfast$1.24
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.18
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Mangoes$0.93
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Coffee$1.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $12
- Chiang Mai : Small Group Thai Cooking class with market tour: $19
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $23
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $24
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $24
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $25
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $25
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $27
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $27
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $79
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $92
- Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $101
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $132
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $140
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $146
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $147
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $168
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $168
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Shenzhen $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$40
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.85
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Kratong Lessons$3.09
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Pedicure$4.63
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.56
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $31
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $44
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $88
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $107
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $142
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $166
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $135
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $90
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $135
- 2 Days Hiking Tour in Chiang Mai: $123
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
- **HK Resident**sky100 Admission Ticket [F-HC1_HK]: $14
- 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $105
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
- Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open-Top Night Tour: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.65Shenzhen $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Nightlife in Town!: $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Shenzhen during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Shenzhen. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Shenzhen. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Chiang Mai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in April than Shenzhen. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.