Which place is cheaper, Dali or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Shenzhen or Dali?
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 Dali 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 Dali?
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.
Dali
Dali is a city in southern China with a long and glorious history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Xiaguan neighborhood of the city is the modern industrial center where most public transportation arrives; however, the Old Town of Dali is the place that draws the most visitors. Being one of China's ancient cities, Dali is said to have been a gateway to the Silk Road, and still attracts attention with its traditional architecture, beautiful scenery, ethnic cultures, and nightlife.
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.
-
Shenzhen Prices
China PricesDali Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $149Dali $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $149, while the average daily cost in Dali is $66. 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 Dali in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $97Dali $18
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $194Dali $36
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Dali
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Dali? 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: Shenzhen Hotel Prices and Dali Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $16Dali $9.95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Venetian Macao and Macau Heritage Tour with 2-way ferry transfers from Hong Kong: $115
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hong Kong APT-HTL (HKG): $128
- Stress-Free Hong Kong hotels to HongKong Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Shenzhen to Dongguan Transfer with English-Speaking Driver: $180
- Shenzhen Private transfer and Ongoing assistance: $39
- Shenzhen Private Transfer & Chauffeur with Elite Assistant: $199
- Shenzhen Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
- Shenzhen Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Shenzhen Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dali
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dali:
-
Local Bus$0.45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dali
Also for Dali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG): $149
- Dali Airport Chauffeur Service, Private Dali Airport Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Dali?
Prices for flights to both Dali 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 dayShenzhen $37Dali $34
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: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
- Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- Hong Kong Market Walking Tour & Chinese Cooking Class: $131
- Temple Street Night Market Tour plus Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise: $131
- Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
- Hong Kong Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $143
- Private Authentic Hong Kong's Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $159
- Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $169
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $175
- Layover Tour from airport - Classic Hong Kong with Tram Ride and Dinner Cruise: $181
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour: $186
Typical Food Prices in Dali
For Dali, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$4.78
-
Breakfast$3.73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dali
For Dali, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cangshan Mountain hike and organic homemade dinner: $36
- Dali Bai ethnic Pottery and cooking class at Lost village: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $18Dali $19
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 5-Hour Private Customized Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $265
- A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $108
- A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour With Locals: $131
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $39
- BYD Shenzhen Factory Tour With Pickup From Hong Kong: $157
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $103
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
- Big Bus Hong Kong Panoramic Night Tour by Open-Top Bus: $45
- Bus Tours in Hong Kong: $45
- Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
- City Tour and Film Portrait in Hong Kong: $157
- Congjiang and Zhaoxing Tour by Bullet Train with Pickup from Hong Kong: $284
Tours and Activities in Dali
For Dali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Dali Erhai Sightseeing Tour: $250
- 1-Day Dali Tie Dye Experience Private Tour: $230
- 1-Day Dali tour with the Daili old town, Xizhou Village and Three Pagodas: $195
- 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Dali to Lijiang and overnight in Shaxi old town: $205
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Dali: $213
- Dali City Tour with Private Guide: $68
- Dali Day Tour: Scenic Lakes, Bai Heritage & Tie-Dye Workshop: $262
- Dali Donglianhua and Wuli Bridge Muslim Hui Village Private Tour: $120
- Dali Private Car Tour – Flexible & Custom: $122
- Dali Private Tour to Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake: $186
- Dali Self Drive Scenic Road Trip for Foreign Tourists: $128
- Dali Tie Dye and Tea Culture Tour with Erhai Bike Ride: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $21Dali $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Dali, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Dali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dali 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 Dali.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Dali Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Dali?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dali. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Dali, 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.