Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Shenzhen or Katoomba?
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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba?
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.
Katoomba
Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.
This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.
The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Katoomba $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $134. 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 Katoomba in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Katoomba $77
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Katoomba $154
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Katoomba
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Katoomba? 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: Katoomba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Katoomba $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer:Shenzhen City Hotel to Any Shenzhen Railway Station : $29
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
- Private Transfer from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Hotels: $36
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen city hotels: $41
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen Airport(SZX): $41
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shekou Port: $41
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $45
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Katoomba?
Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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 dayShenzhen $20Katoomba $17
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 Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- 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
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- 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
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Katoomba $53
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
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- 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
- 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
- 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 Katoomba
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katoomba are as follows:
- 4Hrs at Wolgan Valley Birdwatching Experience: $129
- Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $98
- Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
- Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $248
- Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $107
- Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $97
- Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
- Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
- Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $192
- Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
- Blue Mountains Private Tour From Sydney, & Featherdale Aussie Animal Park Option: $248
- Blue Mountains: Private Scenic Tour with Optional Stops: $245
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Katoomba -
When comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Shenzhen is in Asia and Katoomba is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Katoomba Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Katoomba?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shenzhen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Shenzhen or Katoomba in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Katoomba. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Katoombain January. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Katoombain January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Katoomba 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Katoomba in the Autumn?
Both Katoomba and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Katoombain April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Katoomba 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Katoomba in the Winter?
Both Katoomba and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.
In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Katoombain July. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Katoombain July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Katoomba 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Katoomba in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Katoomba. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Katoombain October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Katoomba 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Katoomba and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Katoomba | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 70 mm (2.8 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.