Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Pattaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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: Pattaya or Shenzhen?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $66Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $66, 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 Pattaya and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $24Shenzhen $89
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $48Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $12Shenzhen $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Pattaya HTL-APT (BKK): $59
- Tiffany's Show Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $61
- Tiffany Show Pattaya with Transfer: $64
- Tiffany Show Pattaya with Transfer: $64
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Surat Thani Hotel Transfer: to/from Bangkok Hotel Transfer: $419
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $45
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $43
- Return hotel transfers to Gems Gallery Pattaya (Jewelry) : $2.12
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $95
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $102
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $112
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $116
- Luxury Private Tesla Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (From/To HKG): $114
- 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
- Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $22Shenzhen $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
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.Pattaya $21Shenzhen $17
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- 2 Islands Full Day Tour Catamaran with Lunch in Pattaya: $102
- 3 Days Thailand Motorcycle Coastal Tour: $1,054
- 5 Days – Motorcycle tour to River Kwai and Khao Yai: $1,757
- A Superstar Model Experience in Pattaya with Photo Expert: $112
- ATV & Buggy Adventures Pattaya - Novice Rider 27km Basic Track: $99
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $33
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $42
- Amazing Discovery Pattaya Tours with Floating Market & Lunch : $75
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $12
- Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket (3D Art ): $12
- Art in Paradise: 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $14
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 dayPattaya $8.18Shenzhen $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pattaya and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Pattaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pattaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pattaya 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 Pattaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pattaya Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya 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 Pattaya or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pattaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pattaya or Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.
In the summer, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 30°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. Pattaya usually receives less sunshine than Shenzhen during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Shenzhen. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pattaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Shenzhen. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.
Pattaya is much warmer than Shenzhen in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Pattaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Pattaya is a little warmer than Shenzhen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Pattaya gets 262 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. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Shenzhen. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.