A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenzhen vs. Hong Kong for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenzhen or Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

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.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong you will find a predominantly Cantonese population that has long been influenced by British occupation. Most residents speak English and you can see the obvious effects of years of capitalism. Shopping malls are everywhere and most are thriving. Along the waterfront every night the buildings light up in a dramatic and festive light show that highlights such businesses as Sony and Canon, which are fixtures in the city. The city is a major financial hub, and is very international in nature. The city itself is very densely packed and there are narrow high rises that look vulnerable due to their height. There are two main areas to the city, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the location of the original British settlement. Today it is where you will find the highest skyscrapers, the most modern buildings, and the most popular shopping areas. Kowloon is located on a peninsula that is to the north of Hong Kong Island. The tip of the peninsula is a popular destination for backpackers as it has many of the city's hostels. This area is referred to as Tsim Sha Tsui. There are also a few high end hotels in the area. It is possible to head outside of the city so that you can escape into some rural regions where you can take a break from the crowds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hong Kong or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $124, while the average daily cost in Hong Kong is $160. 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 Hong Kong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $90
    Hong Kong $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $180
    Hong Kong $150
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Hong Kong

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Hong Kong? 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.

Hotels in Shenzhen


Hotels in Hong Kong


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hong Kong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Hong Kong $8.72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
  • Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
  • Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
  • Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $79
  • Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $79
  • Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $106
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Business Car: $117
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $117

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.81
  • Local Bus
    $2.81
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.26
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Hong Kong?

Prices for flights to both Hong Kong 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 day
    Shenzhen $20
    Hong Kong $33

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 Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
  • 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
  • Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $131
  • Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $143
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $162
  • Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $162
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $162
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $162

Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for 2
    $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Hong Kong $95

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
  • 100% Private & Personalised Tour of Hong Kong With A Local Insider: $64
  • 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
  • A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $104
  • A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
  • A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour: $102
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Peak Tram
    $7.67
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Hong Kong $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Shenzhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenzhen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenzhen 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong than you might in Shenzhen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Hong Kong Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, 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.