Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 $123Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Hangzhou? 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 $14Hangzhou $8.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Ocean Park Hong Kong: $26
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service: $89
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $46
- Hong Kong Airport HKG Private Transfer to Kowloon City: $31
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong City Private Arrival Transfer: $92
- Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $37
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $95
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- Wuzhen & Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou: $97
- VIP Seated Impression West Lake Show with Private Hassel-Free Transfer Service: $85
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $72
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $20Hangzhou $18
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
- Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $163
- Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $166
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $166
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $166
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.34
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Hangzhou $20
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
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KE: $21
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket on Lantau Island: $26
- Historia Tour of the Youngest Big4 City of Old China: $30
- Victoria Harbour Yacht Night Cruise - DREAMER: $31
- Dialogue in the Dark Tour [Recommended!]: $33
- Kowloon Walking Tour on the Dark Side of Hong Kong: $33
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
- 3 days tour Shanghai Huangshan & Hangzhou by bullet trains: $830
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Hangzhou $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Hangzhou, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Hangzhou.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Hangzhou.
Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.