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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly 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 $14Chongqing $18
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 One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Ocean Park Hong Kong: $26
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service: $89
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $46
- Hong Kong Airport HKG Private Transfer to Kowloon City: $31
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong City Private Arrival Transfer: $92
- Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $37
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chongqing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chongqing:
- Private Round-Trip Transfer: Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport(CKG) : $60
- Private One Way Transfer (English Service) between Airport & Hotel & Cruise Port: $61
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport CKG: $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: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chongqing Chaotianmen Cruise Pier to Hotel: $39
- Datong Yungang Airport Chauffeur Service , to Datong Transfer: $40
- Dazu Rock Carvings Private Transfer or Tour: $278
- Chongqing Private Round Trip Transfer to Wulong National Park: $168
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $50
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Chauffeur Service, Chongqing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $60
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 Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $163
- Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $166
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $166
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $166
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chongqing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chongqing.
- 4 Hour Walking Historical Local Food Tour: $109
- Chongqing Liangjiang Night Cruise Including Authentic Hot Pot Dinner: $115
- CHONGQING:Strolling through the city(Include dinner): $127
- Chongqing City Private Night Tour with Hot Pot Dinner: $158
- Private Chongqing night tour with dinner hot pot: $170
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
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KE: $21
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket on Lantau Island: $26
- Historia Tour of the Youngest Big4 City of Old China: $30
- Victoria Harbour Yacht Night Cruise - DREAMER: $31
- Dialogue in the Dark Tour [Recommended!]: $33
- Kowloon Walking Tour on the Dark Side of Hong Kong: $33
Tours and Activities in Chongqing
Here are a few actual costs in Chongqing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Chongqing City Private Tour with the Hot pot Lunch: $157
- 1-Day Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings Private Tour With the Lunch: $143
- 3-Hour Walking Tour of Chongqing Shancheng (Mountain City) Lane: $65
- 4D3N Yangtze River Victoria Cruise: Chongqing to Yichang: $615
- 5D4N Yangtze River Victoria Cruise: Yichang to Chongqing: $615
- All-In-One Chongqing Trendy Spots Private Tour: $220
- Best of Chongqing One Day Tour: Stilwell Museum, Arhat Temple, Eling Park, Panda: $157
- City Night Cruise and Local Snacks Tour: $218
- Chongqing Dazu stone carving day tour: $186
- Chongqing Half Day Morning Private Tour including Eling Park & Chongqing Museum: $135
- Chongqing Half day Private Tour With Entire City Night View: $220
- Chongqing Private City Tour Extention: $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Chongqing $6.88
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.