Which place is cheaper, Macao or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Macao?
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 Macao 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 Macao?
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.
Macao
Located in China, Macau is a Special Administrative Region and one of the world's most densely populated regions. Until 1999 it remained an overseas territory of Portugal. It sits across from Hong Kong, along the Pearl River Estuary. Because it was so recently relinquished as a colony, it still has a significant amount of visible colonial history. The old city still looks very European, which you can see during a walking tour. Despite this architectural influence, the majority of the city's population is native Chinese.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Macao $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Macao is $142. 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 Macao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Macao $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Macao $226
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Macao
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Macao? 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 $15Macao $0.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) -Departure Private Transfer : $44
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $128
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
- Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $57
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Arrival Transfer Driver Meet and Greet: Airport to Hotel: $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 Macao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Macao:
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Local Bus (for Two)$0.99
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Macao?
Prices for flights to both Macao 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 $20Macao $21
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: $89
- Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
- 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
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $141
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $159
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Macao $11
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
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KZ_1/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
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket on Lantau Island: $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Macao
Here are a few typical costs in Macao for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Macau Tower$11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Macao -
When comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Macao, we can see that Macao 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Macao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Macao?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Macao. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Macao, 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.