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 $149Dalian $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $149, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $133. 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 $97Dalian $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $194Dalian $118
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.
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 Dalian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $16Dalian $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- HongKong to Guangzhou PVT Transfer-Meet&Greet,Direct Cross-Border: $235
- Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Foshan Private Transfer: $230
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Macau via Zhuhai Bridge: $224
- Hong Kong Disneyland 1 Day Ticket with Optional Transfers: $215
- Shenzhen Private Transfer & Chauffeur with Elite Assistant: $199
- Guangzhou One Day Tour with Bullet Train Transfer from Hong Kong: $188
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $185
- Hong Kong Disneyland: One-Day Ticket and Private Hotel Transfer: $182
- Shenzhen to Dongguan Transfer with English-Speaking Driver: $180
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $168
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Guangzhou City Hotels: $168
- Hong Kong Pickup & Transfer to Macau Sightseeing & Dancing Water: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $88
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
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 $37Dalian $51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals: $46
- Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
- Hong Kong Victoria Harbour Sunset Tour with Star Ferry & Dinner: $88
- Best Street Food Tour With a Local Guide in Hong Kong: $94
- Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $115
- Temple Street Night Market Tour plus Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise: $131
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour: $185
- Hong Kong Elite Night Tour: Cruise, Aquarium Dinner, Peak: $193
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $18Dalian $5.18
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4 Hour Cyberpunk Photogenic City Walk Tour: $132
- 5-Hour Private Customized Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $265
- A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour With Locals: $130
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $39
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $53
- 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
- Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $78
- Chinese Tea Ceremony with Dim Sum experiences in HK: $167
- Coach Tour: Hong Kong Heritage Discovery: $144
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
- Flexible Dalian City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $21Dalian $6.83
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.