Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Shenzhen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hanoi or Shenzhen?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $123. 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 Hanoi and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Shenzhen $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.89Shenzhen $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
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Short Taxi Ride$1.36
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Wonder Bay Cruise 1 Day Trip Transfer from Hanoi by Expressway: $80
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi HTL-APT (HAN): $14
- Transfer Hanoi to Halong Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
- The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N Stay At 3* Hotel -Transfer by Sleep BUS : $159
- The Best 2D1N HALONG BAY- All Inclusive,Overnight on Boat By Expressway Transfer: $125
- Symphony Cruise- Luxury Day Trip From Hanoi With Express Transfer: $105
- Small Group Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Tour with Limousine Transfer : $45
- Small Group Halong Islands, Cave, Kayak. Seafood Lunch. EXPRESSWAY Transfer: $67
- Sea Octopus - Luxury Halong Cruise From Hanoi Roundtrip Transfer: $105
- Sapa Trekking 2 Days 1 Night Transfer By Sleeper Bus: $90
- Sapa Tour 2 Days from Hanoi by Luxury Limousine Transfer: $122
- Sapa Tour 2 Days 1 Night (3 STAR HOTEL+TRANSFER BY LIMOUSINE CAR): $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $90
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $58
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $62
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $13Shenzhen $20
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Bowl of Pho$0.80
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $24
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $24
- Guided Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour: $25
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: $77
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- 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
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.51Shenzhen $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.60
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
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National History Museum$1.60
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
- 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
- Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch: $41
- Ha Noi Private city tour and water puppet private tour: $59
- Ha Noi private city tour full day and cyclo: $69
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.70Shenzhen $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Shenzhen?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Shenzhen. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 30°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
Both Shenzhen and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Hanoi is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Shenzhen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
In the spring, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.