Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Chongqing?
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 Chongqing 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 Chongqing?
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.
Chongqing
Chongqing, China is a large city in central China and one of only four cities in the country that are not part of a province. While Chongqing is famous for being an economically important city, brush away its industrial surface and you'll find a naturally beautiful city with plenty of hidden wonders. Although you'll find many expats in the city, English is rarely spoken, meaning knowing some basic Mandarin will come in handy.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Chongqing $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $86. 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 Chongqing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Chongqing $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Chongqing $98
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Chongqing
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Chongqing? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Chongqing $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $140
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $137
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Arrival Transfer Driver Meet and Greet: Airport to Hotel: $62
- 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
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- [Airport Transfer] Chongqing Airport ⇔ Chongqing City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $23
- Private Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $43
- Private Transfer from Chongqing hotel to Chongqing Train Station : $27
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) : $50
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $22
- Dazu Rock Carvings Private Transfer or Tour: $278
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $128
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) private round-trip transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Chongqing?
Prices for flights to both Chongqing 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
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Food Meals for one dayShenzhen $20Chongqing $24
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
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- 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
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $141
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $159
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $159
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $160
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $115
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Private Chongqing night tour with dinner hot pot: $170
- Chongqing Port Transfer Service with Half-Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $193
- Private Chongqing Night View Tour with Hot Pot or Local Dinner: $199
- Chongqing Night view private tour with hot-pot dinner: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Chongqing $13
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
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KE: $21
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane: $65
- All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $220
- Chongqing All-in-One Private Tour With Entire City Night View: $250
- Chongqing City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $196
- Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum: $135
- Chongqing Private City Tour Extention: $220
- Chongqing Private Day Tour Of Meet popular Chongqing: $160
- Chongqing Wulong Exploration Private Day Tour With the Lunch: $185
- Chongqing Wulong National Park Private Tour : $280
- Chongqing Yangtze River Cruise and Illuminated Night Tour: $158
- City Highlights Guided Private Tour with Lunch: $208
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Chongqing $6.91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Chongqing, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Chongqing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chongqing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chongqing 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 Chongqing.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Chongqing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Chongqing?
Chongqing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Chongqing, 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.
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.