Which place is cheaper, Darwin 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 Darwin?
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 Darwin 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Darwin $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $139. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Darwin? 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: Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Darwin $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX): Private Transfer to/from Shenzhen: $17
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service: $35
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
- Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport: $45
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $35Darwin $65
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: $53
- Shekou Food Tour with 4 Tastings: $79
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $111
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $111
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Darwin $15
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
- Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
- Double-decker Sightseeing Bus 24-hour E PASSTicket: $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $151
- 1 Day Litchfield Waterfalls Tour: $107
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
- Arnhem Land Yingana Injalak Hill Full Day Tour from Darwin: $232
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $91
- Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $100
- Corroboree Billabong 2.5 hour Lunch Cruise: $77
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $111
- Darwin City Tour + Crocodile Cruise+Lunch Optional: $84
- Darwin Combo: The Bombing of Darwin Experience & Darwin Harbour Cruise: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Darwin $13
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): $46
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.58
When comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Darwin, 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. Even though Shenzhen is in Asia and Darwin is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Darwin?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shenzhen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Shenzhen or Darwin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Darwin. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Darwinin January. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Darwin. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Darwin in the Autumn?
Both Darwin and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
Shenzhen is cooler than Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Darwin. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Darwinin April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Darwin in the Winter?
Both Darwin and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Shenzhen is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.
In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Darwinin July. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Darwin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Darwin. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches.
In April, Shenzhen is generally cooler than Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Darwinin October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.