Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Guangzhou? 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 $15Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) -Departure Private Transfer : $44
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $128
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Arrival Transfer Driver Meet and Greet: Airport to Hotel: $62
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Zhuhai City Private Arrival Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Int'l Airport : $108
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou HTL-APT (CAN): $62
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Zhuhai City Area : $104
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Shenzhen City Area: $104
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN): $35
- Private Departure Transfer in English-speaking: Hotel to Airport: $99
- Private Day Tour to Zhuhai from Guangzhou by Private Transfer: $300
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou South Railway Station : $53
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou City Area: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $20Guangzhou $19
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: $89
- Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $141
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $159
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $100
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KZ_1/F-KE: $21
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket on Lantau Island: $26
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Liuxihe National Forest Park Private Day Tour from Guangzhou: $266
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
- 7 Day Private Tour in Guangzhou: $150
- AAAAA Top National Natural Preserve Dinghu Mountain Private Tour: $300
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
- Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
- Ancient Water Village Folk Houses and Wine Culture Private Tour: $220
- Best of Guangzhou City Sightseeing: $110
- Big Buddha Mountain Martial Art Culture Countryside Private Tour: $220
- Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise Private Guangzhou Day Tour: $180
- China Education Culture University Campus Lifestyle Private Tour: $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Guangzhou, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Guangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shenzhen or Guangzhou in the Summer?
Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).
In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou 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 July than Guangzhou. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
In October, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Guangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Guangzhou.
Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the winter, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Guangzhou. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Guangzhou. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.