Which place is cheaper, Datong 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 Datong?
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 Datong 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 Datong?
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.
Datong
If you're looking for an old world city, with a renovated feel, you might want to spend some time in Datong, China. This city was once walled-in and the newest initiative is to rebuild their great wall to maintain their old world charm. Datong is definitely done a lot to make itself a contender in the world of vacation destinations.
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 PricesDatong Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $148Datong $75
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $148, while the average daily cost in Datong is $75. 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 Datong in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $96Datong $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $192Datong $50
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Datong
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Datong? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $16Datong $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $268
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Macau via Zhuhai Bridge: $265
- HongKong to Guangzhou PVT Transfer-Meet&Greet,Direct Cross-Border: $235
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) Transfer to Shenzhen by Toyota Alphard: $220
- Private Transfer From Hong Kong to/from Macau: $215
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Guangzhou hotels: $189
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $189
- Guangzhou One Day Tour with Bullet Train Transfer from Hong Kong: $188
- Luxury Private Transfer between Hong Kong and Shenzhen: $187
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Guangzhou City Hotels: $171
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $171
- Hong Kong Pickup & Transfer to Macau Sightseeing & Dancing Water: $161
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Datong
Also for Datong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Datong Railway Stations to Hotels in City Center: $35
- Private Transfer Service from Yungang Airport to Datong Hotel: $29
- Private Round-Trip Transfer Service to Hanging Temple and Hengshan from Datong: $118
- Private One Way Transfer from Datong to Beijing: $211
- From 4-Day Private Tour to Pingyao with Transfer: $988
- Transfer or Tour to Yungang Grottoes&Hanging Temple: $102
- Datong Hanging Temple Private Transfer from Hotel or Station: $69
- Chengdu: Private Round-Trip Transfer to Leshan Budda: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Datong?
Prices for flights to both Datong 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 $37Datong $37
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: $38
- Hong Kong: Fresh Produce Market and Cook-to-Order Food Tour: $39
- Traditional Outdoor Cooking in a Private Lesson: $45
- Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
- Best Street Food Tour With a Local Guide in Hong Kong: $97
- 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
- Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
- Hong Kong Tour, Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise & TurboJet Transfers from Macau: $170
- Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $172
- Layover Tour from airport - Classic Hong Kong with Tram Ride and Dinner Cruise: $182
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $18Datong $27
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- A Perfect Hong Kong Layover - 5h private tour: $300
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $53
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $99
- Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.62
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
- Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $78
- Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
- Coach Tour: Hong Kong Heritage Discovery: $144
- Comprehensive Shenzhen Tech Tour: A Deeper Look at the Future: $174
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
- Custom private tour of Kowloon Peninsula - Half day: $178
Tours and Activities in Datong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Datong.
- 1 Day Datong Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple Tour/from Beijing: $275
- 1-Day Pingyao tour from Datong and ends of Beijing or Xi'an by Bullet Train: $267
- 2-Day Private Datong Tour:Hanging Temple, Yugang Grottoes,Wooden Pagoda and More: $298
- All Inclusive Datong Private Tour to Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: $238
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Wooden Pagoda and Hanging Temple from Datong: $220
- Datong Classic Day Tour: $208
- Datong Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple: $203
- Datong Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda Self-guided Tour by Car: $95
- Datong Private Day Tour to Deshengbu and Zhenchuankou Great Wall with Lunch: $190
- Datong Private Day Tour to Yanmenguan Great Wall and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: $258
- Datong Private Self-guided Tour with Chartered Car: $35
- Datong Private Tour: Marvels of Hanging Temple & Yungang Grottoes: $242
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $20Datong $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): $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Datong, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Datong much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Datong would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Datong 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 Datong.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Datong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Datong?
Datong has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Datong, 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.