Which place is cheaper, Dalian 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 Dalian?
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 Dalian 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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 PricesDalian Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $139Dalian $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $139, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $124. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $90Dalian $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $180Dalian $110
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Dalian? 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 $15Dalian $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Hong Kong to Macau 7 seat MPV private transfer or vice versa.: $275
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou: $157
- HONG KONG Airport Private Transfer Service: $148
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $137
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $137
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Business Car: $118
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $118
- Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $35Dalian $47
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: $37
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $97
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $107
- Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $131
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $145
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $147
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $148
- Traditional Fried Noodle Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $183
- 3-Hour Sushi Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $183
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $198
- Hong Kong Private Food Tour with Michelin Street Food: $255
- Aberdeen Food Tour | Private Sampan w/Noodles & Floating Kitchen: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Dalian $4.83
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $226
- Explore Hong Kong Disneyland with Ticket and Pass: $153
- Seat-in-Coach: Macau Day Tour with Simple Lunch from Hong Kong: $185
- 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
- 5-Hour Private Customized Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $264
- A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $111
- A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour With Locals : $135
- Aberdeen fisherman cultural tour+dim sum by local: $105
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $39
- Ancient Shenzhen meets modern Shenzhen guided tour: $48
- Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Dalian $6.38
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): $20
When comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Dalian, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Dalian, 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.
When is the best time to visit Shenzhen or Dalian?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shenzhen or Dalian in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Dalian.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Dalian. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Dalian in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Dalian.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Dalian. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Dalian in the Winter?
Both Dalian and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In January, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Dalian. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Dalian in the Spring?
Both Dalian and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Dalian. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
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.