Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Gold Coast?
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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Gold Coast $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $98. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Gold Coast? 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 $15Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $116
- Luxury Private Tesla Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (From/To HKG): $114
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $137
- Movie World To Brisbane Hotel One Way Transfer: $26
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Cruise Transfers: $154
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Desert Safari Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Beach Day Cruise with Bus Transfers: $114
- Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $101
- Airport to Hotel Return Transfer: $21
- Gold Coast Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Gold Coast: $73
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $126
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 $20Gold Coast $27
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 Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- 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
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $72
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Gold Coast $19
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
- 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
- 60 Minutes Virtual Reality Experience in Hong Kong: $37
- A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
- 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
- Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $184
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $50
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $264
- 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $43
- 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour: $52
- 3-Day Ticket: Dreamworld with WhiteWaterWorld & SkyPoint: $97
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $36
- Arro Jet Boating Experience, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast: $52
- Breakfast sailing cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
- Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $150
- Broadwater Morning Cruise: $39
- Broadwater Morning Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Gold Coast $5.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Gold Coast, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Gold Coast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenzhen is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Gold Coast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Gold Coast?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 90% larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Gold Coast. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.
Gold Coast 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 Gold Coastin January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Gold Coast. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin April. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Gold Coast in the Spring?
Both Gold Coast and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin October. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.