Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Koh Samui or Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui or Shenzhen?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesShenzhen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $75Shenzhen $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $75, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $147. 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 Koh Samui and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $25Shenzhen $95
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $50Shenzhen $190
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices and Shenzhen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $18Shenzhen $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
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Scooter Rental$2.25
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Gas for Scooter$1.20
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Airport Taxi$13
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Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
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Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.60
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Thrilling 2 Hour ATV Jungle with Hotel Transfer from Koh Samui: $85
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $161
- The Jungle Club or The Roof Samui Table Reservation with Transfer: $91
- Smooth Koh Samui to Krabi Catamaran and Bus or Van Transfer: $51
- Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus: $64
- Samui Zipline Adventure with Transfer service: $52
- Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport: $37
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $67
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Samui City: $49
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $67
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Lamai: $38
- Private Transfer from Lamai to Samui (USM) Airport: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $263
- HongKong to Guangzhou PVT Transfer-Meet&Greet,Direct Cross-Border: $235
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) Transfer to Shenzhen by Toyota Alphard: $220
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $188
- Hong Kong Disneyland: One-Day Ticket and Private Hotel Transfer: $182
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou: $154
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $149
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
- Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $141
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer: $134
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Shenzhen City Area: $128
- Private Driver Transfer to Hongkong Airport from Shenzhen City: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samui or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $37Shenzhen $37
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui Local Market Hin Ta Hin Yai and Beach Dinner: $36
- Half Day Pig Island Snorkeling Trip with Sunset Dinner from Samui: $58
- Samui Suppers Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Coconut Corners Samui Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Thai Cooking Class from Koh Samui with Local Market: $75
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $76
- Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Micro Organic Garden: $76
- Thai Cooking Class in Koh Samui with Market Tour: $76
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $78
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $109
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $109
- Koh Samui Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $117
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals: $46
- Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
- Hong Kong Market Walking Tour & Chinese Cooking Class: $131
- Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Street Food Tour with a Local: $171
- Layover Tour from airport - Classic Hong Kong with Tram Ride and Dinner Cruise: $181
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $197
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $239
- Private Hong Kong Top Night Tour: Cruise, Aquarium Dinner, Peak: $248
- Hong Kong Private Food Tour with Michelin Street Food: $294
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Shenzhen $18
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- 2 Hours ATV Quad Bike Popular Tour From Koh Samui: $96
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $56
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $105
- 3 Hour ATV Secret Waterfall Adventure in Koh Samui: $106
- 4 Hour Ultimate ATV Jungle Tour in Koh Samui Lunch Included: $137
- 6 Hours Elephant Care and Jungle Tour by 4WD in Koh Samui: $61
- ATV 1.5 Hours Jungle Safari Tour On Koh Phangan: $74
- ATV 2 hrs. Jungle Adventure on the Mountain Way in Koh Samui: $61
- Adventure Kayaking at Angthong Marine Park: $113
- Amazing Koh Samui "Must Visit" Private Tour: $172
- Ang Thong Islands Luxury Small Group Tour From Koh Samui: $143
- Ang Thong Marine Park Adventure with Kayaking and Lunch: $62
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $102
- A Perfect Hong Kong Layover - 5h private tour: $300
- A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour With Locals: $132
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $53
- BYD Shenzhen Factory Tour With Pickup From Hong Kong: $157
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $93
- Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.61
- 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
- Central District, Tram, Victoria Peak, Madame Tussauds Day Tour: $120
- Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
- Congjiang and Zhaoxing Tour by Bullet Train with Pickup from Hong Kong: $284
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.10Shenzhen $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samui and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Koh Samui much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Samui would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
Koh Samui is cooler than Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Shenzhen. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Shenzhen. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
In January, Koh Samui is generally a little warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Koh Samui during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Koh Samui usually gets less rain in April than Shenzhen. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.