Which place is cheaper, Kunming or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Shenzhen or Kunming?
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 Kunming 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 Kunming?
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.
Kunming
Kunming, located in southern China, is the modern capital city of the Yunnan province. It is a transportation hub for visitors entering the region, and good transfer point to just about everywhere else in the province by train or bus. Within the city itself there are many things to see and do with a full range of parks and zoos, museums, temples, theatres, and scenic areas.
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.
-
Shenzhen Prices
China PricesKunming Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $148Kunming $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $148, while the average daily cost in Kunming is $89. 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 Kunming in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $96Kunming $35
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $192Kunming $70
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Kunming
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Kunming? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $16Kunming $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $266
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Macau via Zhuhai Bridge: $265
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) Transfer to Shenzhen by Toyota Alphard: $220
- Private Transfer From Hong Kong to/from Macau: $215
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Guangzhou hotels: $190
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $190
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Guangzhou City Hotels: $172
- Hong Kong Pickup & Transfer to Macau Sightseeing & Dancing Water: $160
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou: $156
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $149
- HONG KONG Airport Private Transfer Service: $148
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kunming
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Kunming:
-
Taxi Ride$1.63
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kunming
Also for Kunming, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! : $36
- Private Transfer from Kunming hotel to Guizhou Xingyi hotel: $240
- Kunming Private Round Trip Transfer to Fuxianhu Lake: $90
- Kunming Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $88
- Kunming Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Kunming Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Kunming Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pickup: $83
- Kunming Changshui Airport Chauffeur Service, Kunming Airport Transfer, Pick up: $71
- Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle: $48
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Kunming?
Prices for flights to both Kunming 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 $37Kunming $41
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: $37
- Hong Kong: Fresh Produce Market and Cook-to-Order Food Tour: $39
- Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
- Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
- Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Street Food Tour with a Local: $169
- Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $170
- Hong Kong Tour, Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise & TurboJet Transfers from Macau: $170
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour: $190
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $195
- Private Hong Kong Top Night Tour: Cruise, Aquarium Dinner, Peak: $249
- Hong Kong Private Food Tour with Michelin Street Food: $294
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kunming
For Kunming, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Discovery more Kunming evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dinner: $88
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $18Kunming $19
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $110
- A Perfect Hong Kong Layover - 5h private tour: $300
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $53
- BYD Shenzhen Factory Tour With Pickup From Hong Kong: $157
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $99
- Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.62
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
- Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $78
- Central District, Tram, Victoria Peak, Madame Tussauds Day Tour: $120
- Comprehensive Shenzhen Tech Tour: A Deeper Look at the Future: $174
- Congjiang and Zhaoxing Tour by Bullet Train with Pickup from Hong Kong: $284
Tours and Activities in Kunming
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kunming.
- 1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour: $290
- 1-Day Dongchuan Red Land Photography Private Tour from Kunming: $269
- 1-Day Kunming Civil Culture Tour: $112
- 1-Day Kunming Culture Tour: $156
- 1-Day Kunming tour with the Green Lake,Bird & Flower market and Yuantong Temple: $201
- 1-Day Private Tour:Stone Forest and Western Hill(Dragon Gate) from Kunming: $245
- 1-Day Self-Guided Stone Forest Geological Park Tour from Kunming: $106
- 1-Day Stone Forest Geological Park Private Tour with the Lunch from Kunming: $201
- All inclusive Dongchuan red earth tour start from Kunming: $150
- Citywalk - 1 Day History Private Tour in Kunming: $120
- Dongchuan Red Land Private Tour: $87
- Dynamic Yunnan Cultural Show Ticket in Kunming: $32
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $20Kunming $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Kunming, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Kunming much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kunming would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kunming 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 Kunming.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Kunming Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Kunming?
Kunming has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Kunming, 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.