Which place is cheaper, Hong Kong or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesHong Kong Prices
Hong Kong Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $148Hong Kong $183
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $148, while the average daily cost in Hong Kong is $183. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $96Hong Kong $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $192Hong 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.
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: Shenzhen Hotel Prices and Hong Kong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $16Hong Kong $8.70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hong Kong APT-HTL (HKG): $128
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- Shenzhen to Dongguan Transfer with English-Speaking Driver: $180
- Shenzhen Private transfer and Ongoing assistance: $39
- Shenzhen Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
- Shenzhen Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Shenzhen Baoan airport Private Transfer to Shenzhen Hotels.: $55
- Shenzhen Baoan Airport to Shenzhen Hotel Private Transfer: $73
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Macau via Zhuhai Bridge: $202
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Business Car: $118
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:
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MTR (for 2)$2.80
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Local Bus$2.80
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Ferry Ticket$0.25
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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
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Food Meals for one dayShenzhen $37Hong Kong $56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals: $47
- Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
- Best Street Food Tour With a Local Guide in Hong Kong: $97
- Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $115
- Hong Kong Market Walking Tour & Chinese Cooking Class: $131
- Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
- Hong Kong Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $148
- Private Authentic Hong Kong's Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $159
- Hong Kong Tour, Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise & TurboJet Transfers from Macau: $170
- Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $173
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Street Food Tour with a Local: $173
Typical Food Prices in Hong Kong
For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $18Hong Kong $95
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $111
- A Perfect Hong Kong Layover - 5h private tour: $300
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $39
- Audio Tour of Hong Kong: Hollywood Road Loop: $6.99
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $103
- Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.61
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
- Big Bus Hong Kong Panoramic Night Tour by Open-Top Bus: $45
- Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $78
- Bus Tours in Hong Kong: $45
- Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
- City Tour and Film Portrait in Hong Kong: $157
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hong Kong
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Peak Tram$7.65
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Madame Tussauds Hong Kong$24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $21Hong 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.
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.