Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Hoi An?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hoi An 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 Hoi An 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: Hoi An or Shenzhen?
Hoi An
Located just south of the city of Da Nang, Hoi An is famous for it's beautiful old town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, since its designation as a World Heritage Site in 1999, mass tourism has grown and the city has felt the growing pains. Most of the homes and shops in the old town are now used for commercial purposes. The city is still quaint, but the old town is lined with tailor shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants. Foreigners are required to purchase a ticket to enter the old town of Hoi An (120,000 VND, about $5).
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Vietnam, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Vietnam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHoi An $46Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Hoi An is $46, 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 Hoi An and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHoi An $21Shenzhen $89
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHoi An $42Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Hoi An and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Hoi An 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: Hoi An Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hoi An $19Shenzhen $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Hoi An are as follows:
-
Taxi From Danang to Hoi An$8.79
-
Bus From Hoi An Bus Station to Town$0.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hoi An
Also for Hoi An, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tour/transfer to My Son sanctuary from Da Nang/HoiAn: $32
- Private transfer to Da Nang Hotels or to Hoi An City: $4.10
- Private Transfer To My Son Sanctuary From Hoi An or Da Nang: $45
- Private Transfer To Marble Mountains and My Son HolyLand: $76
- Private Transfer From Hue To Hoi An With A Sightseeing Tour: $39
- My Son Sanctuary & Hai Van Pass: Transfer Hoi An to/from Hue: $70
- Lady Buddha in Monkey Mountain: Transfer Hue to/from Hoi An: $57
- Hue: Transfer to/from Hoi An by Private Car via Hai Van Pass: $47
- Hue: Transfer to/from Airport, Hoi An, Danang by Private Car: $10
- Hue Private Transfer to Hoi An Via HaiVan Pass & Sightseeing: $41
- HoiAn city private trip with Guide, Lunch, tickets &Transfer: $91
- Hoi An:Private transfer To/From Hue with Sightseeing: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $79
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $79
- Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX): Private Transfer to/from Shenzhen: $48
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Hoi An or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Hoi An 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 dayHoi An $9.95Shenzhen $20
Typical Food Prices in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner at Bamboo Village (for Two)$14
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.99
-
Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bamboo Basket Boat Tour with Optional Lunch/Dinner: $14
- Hoi An:Traditional Cooking Class with Cam Thanh Local Family: $21
- Traditional Cooking Class & meal w Cam Thanh Family: $21
- Hoi An/Da Nang: Vietnamese Cooking Class with Transportation: $22
- From Cooking Class at Organic Farm: $22
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class in Leina Cookery: $23
- Evening Tra Que Cooking Class with Locals in Herb Village: $24
- Hoi An : Basket Boat Ride & Cooking Class with Market Tour: $24
- Vietnamese Cooking Class with Local Family in Hoi An: $24
- Cooking Class with Traditional Vietnamese Meals: $24
- Hoi An : Cooking Class W Optional Basket Boat & Market 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hoi An $13Shenzhen $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hoi An
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hoi An's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Golf (for Two)$148
-
Short Boat Ride$1.60
Tours and Activities in Hoi An
For Hoi An, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3-Hour Sunrise or Sunset Photography Tour in Hoi An: $59
- Amazing My Son Sunset & River Cruise Tour From Hoi An/DaNang: $27
- Amazing My Son Sunset Tour With Banh My & Cruise By Group: $28
- BUFFALO RIDING ADVENTURE AND BASKET BOAT TOUR: $28
- Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge Private Tour: $120
- Basket Boat Experience: $13
- Big Experiences Water Wheel Tour - Tra Que Island: $56
- Bike and Bite Tour: $42
- Cam Thanh Bike Tour from Hoi An: $86
- Cam Thanh Coconut Forest Basket Boat Tour by Private Car: $13
- Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle Eco Tour From Hoi An: $30
- Cham Island - Snorkeling Tour from Hoi An/DaNang: $38
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 : $86
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
- 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- 60 Minutes Virtual Reality Experience in Hong Kong: $37
- A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
- 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
- Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHoi An $9.06Shenzhen $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Hoi An
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Hoi An are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$9.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Hoi An
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Hoi An:
- Pub Crawl by Bus with Shots at Each Bar: $8.21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hoi An and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Hoi An much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hoi An would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hoi An 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 Hoi An.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hoi An Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hoi An or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hoi An. When comparing the sizes of Hoi An 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 Hoi An or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hoi An experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hoi An or Shenzhen in the Summer?
Both Shenzhen and Hoi An are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hoi An throughout the year.
In July, Hoi An is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 29°C (85°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen during summer. Hoi An gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. In July, Hoi An usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Hoi An gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Hoi An is February to July. The rainy season in Hoi An is September to January.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHoi An 29°C (85°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
Both Shenzhen and Hoi An during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hoi An because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Hoi An is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hoi An averages around 25°C (78°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In the autumn, Hoi An often gets less sunshine than Shenzhen. Hoi An gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hoi An. Hoi An usually gets more rain in October than Shenzhen. Hoi An gets 613 mm (24.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHoi An 25°C (78°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Shenzhen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hoi An and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hoi An year-round.
In the winter, Hoi An is a little warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hoi An in January average around 22°C (71°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Hoi An usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen during winter. Hoi An gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hoi An gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hoi An usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Hoi An gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. February to July in Hoi An is the dry season. Also, September to January is the rainy season in Hoi An.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHoi An 22°C (71°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Hoi An or Shenzhen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hoi An as well as Shenzhen. Hoi An attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Hoi An is generally a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Hoi An average around 26°C (80°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hoi An this time of the year. In the spring, Hoi An often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Hoi An gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Hoi An usually gets less rain in April than Shenzhen. Hoi An gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHoi An 26°C (80°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Hoi An
| Hoi An | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 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.