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 $15Hangzhou $8.13
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 Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $140
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $137
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Arrival Transfer Driver Meet and Greet: Airport to Hotel: $62
- Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $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
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:
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- 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 VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Private Transfer to Hengdian World Studios from Hangzhou: $113
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 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
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $141
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $159
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $159
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $160
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$2.35
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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
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
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
- 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
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket 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
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
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.