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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Matsue?

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 Matsue 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 Matsue?

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Shenzhen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $89
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $178
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Matsue? 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 Matsue


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: Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Matsue $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • 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 hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer : $90
  • Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $58
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
  • Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
  • Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $62
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
    Matsue $27

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 $17
    Matsue $8.81

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 Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Matsue $6.85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Matsue, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.

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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Matsue?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Matsue, 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 Matsue?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shenzhen or Matsue in the Summer?

Both Matsue and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Matsue. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Matsue in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Matsue. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Shenzhen is much warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Matsue. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Matsue in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Matsue. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Matsue 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Matsue in the Spring?

Both Matsue and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Matsue during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Matsue. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Matsue 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Matsue and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)


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