A Travel Price Comparison for China Shenzhen vs. Dali for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.


Which place is cheaper, Dali or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $124, while the average daily cost in Dali is $48. 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 person
    Shenzhen $90
    Dali $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $180
    Dali $34
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.

Hotels in Shenzhen


Hotels in Dali


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Dali $9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
  • Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
  • Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
  • Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $79
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $79
  • Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Business Car: $117
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $117

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dali

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dali:


  • Local Bus
    $0.42

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/Shuhe hotel: $149
  • Dali Airport Chauffeur Service,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 day
    Shenzhen $20
    Dali $18

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
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
  • Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
  • Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $131
  • Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $143
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $162
  • Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $162
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $162
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $162

Typical Food Prices in Dali

For Dali, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $4.45
  • Breakfast
    $3.47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Dali $18

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

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

  • Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
  • (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
  • 100% Private & Personalised Tour of Hong Kong With A Local Insider: $64
  • 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
  • 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
  • 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
  • A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $104
  • A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
  • A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour: $102
  • Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
  • Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49

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 Highlights Mini Group Tour: $140
  • 1-Day Dali tour with the Daili old town, Xizhou Village and Three Pagodas: $195
  • 1-Day Erhai Sightseeing in Dali: $129
  • 1-Day Tie Dye Experience Tour in Dali: $160
  • 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 Private Tour to Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake : $186
  • Dali Yunnan Local Market + Pottery Making Eco Tour: $220
  • Private Customized Tour: Dali City Highlights in One Day: $213
  • Private Day Tour of Dali Explore the Ancient City: $175
  • Private hiking and trekking tour to Cangshan Mountain from Dali: $175
  • Private tour to Xizhou old town local market Erhai lake three Pagodas from Dali: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Dali $11


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.