A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenzhen vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenzhen or Byron Bay?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Byron Bay 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: Shenzhen or Byron Bay?

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.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $175. 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 Shenzhen and Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Byron Bay $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Byron Bay $134
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Byron Bay? 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.

Hotels in Shenzhen


Hotels in Byron Bay


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: Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Byron Bay $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
  • shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
  • [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service: $35
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport: $45
  • Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
  • Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $47
  • Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Shenzhen 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 day
    Shenzhen $35
    Byron Bay $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Byron Bay.

  • Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Byron Bay $36

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
  • Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
  • Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
  • Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
  • Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
  • The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
  • Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $124
  • Surf Lesson
    $43

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • Tandem Skydive Experience : $280
  • Beyond Byron Hinterland Tour: $147
  • Brisbane: Byron Bay Day Tour - Lighthouse Sunset & The Farm: $125
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Byron Bay Dolphin Tour - Ocean Safari: $64
  • Byron Bay Half-Day Tour: $65
  • Byron Bay Lighthouse Aboriginal Tour: $66
  • Byron Bay Lighthouse Aboriginal Tour: $65
  • Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
  • Byron Bay Wild Koala Tour: $85
  • Byron Bay and Burleigh Heads Private Tour from Brisbane: $959

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Byron Bay $14

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): $46

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $99
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $136
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $137


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Shenzhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenzhen is in Asia and Byron Bay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shenzhen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenzhen 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay than you might in Shenzhen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Byron Bay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Byron Bay?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Byron Bay, 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 Shenzhen or Byron Bay?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Byron Bay is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shenzhen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shenzhen or Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Byron Bay. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Byron Bayin January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.

Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Byron Bayin July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Byron Bay. Furthermore, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)


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