Which place is cheaper, Chongqing or Shenzhen?
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 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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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesChongqing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Chongqing $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Chongqing is $106. 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 $91Chongqing $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Chongqing $100
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
- Kai Tak Terminal to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) - Private Transfer : $69
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- AIRPORT TRANSFER service Hong Kong with Mercedes Benz : $45
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
- HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
- Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
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 Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Airport (CKG) : $43
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) : $60
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chongqing Railway Station to Hotel: $24
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) to Hotel: $39
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei Airport (CKG) to Hotel: $27
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $156
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings: $134
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $30
- Chongqing Airport Private Transfer : $22
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 $35Chongqing $43
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
- Shekou Food Tour with 4 Tastings: $79
- 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
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $178
- 3-Hour Sushi Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $185
- Traditional Fried Noodle Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $185
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $189
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- 3 HR Chongqing Food Tour: $110
- Chongqing Cyberpunk City Night Tour Including Dinner: $140
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $183
- From Port Transfer with Half Day Tour and Hot Pot Dinner: $246
- Magical Chongqing Art Performance and Food Tour: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Chongqing $14
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 Observation Wheel Entry Ticket: $8.26
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $9.57
- Hong Kong Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Double-decker Sightseeing Bus 24-hour E PASSTicket: $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dazu Rock Carvings Private Day Tour With the baoding Mountain and Beishan site: $251
- 1 Day Chongqing Megacity Walking Tour: $117
- 1 Day Private Tour to UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings from Chongqing: $156
- 1 Day Private tour to Chongqing Wulong National Geology Park: $168
- 1 Day Tour at Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Ancient Town: $248
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- 3-hour Chongqing Back Alley Walking Tour: $65
- All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $220
- Chongqing 10 Hour Private Customized City Tour: $161
- Chongqing 1949 Ticket Epic Historical Spectacle: $51
- Chongqing Bishan Car Tour with Wood Museum and Countryside Charm: $219
- Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum: $183
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Chongqing $7.01
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
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.