Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Melbourne?
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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
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.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Melbourne $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $176. 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 Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Melbourne $118
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Melbourne $236
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Melbourne? 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Melbourne $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $79
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $79
- Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX): Private Transfer to/from Shenzhen: $48
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$10
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Tram Ride$2.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $372
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne HTL-APT (MEL): $99
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne APT-HTL (MEL): $99
- Private Transfer from Melbourne hotels to Melbourne Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Melbourne Port to Melbourne Airport (MEL): $52
- Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $52
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Melbourne Airports: $86
- Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $79
- Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $86
- Private Airport Transfer in Melbourne: $99
- Mt Buller 1 Day Snow Tour (Direct Transfer To Mt Buller Village From Melbourne): $89
- Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $198
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 $20Melbourne $30
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
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.60
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Pizza$4.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $53
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $78
- Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
- Pizza Making Party: $89
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $97
- Secret Food Tour: $109
- Chinese Cooking Class Master: $118
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $122
- Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $129
- Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Melbourne $27
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
- 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- 60 Minutes Virtual Reality Experience in Hong Kong: $37
- A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
- Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Penguin Island Tour from Melbourne Penguins express: $79
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $125
- 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Eco Tour with lunch from Melbourne: $109
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $800
- 2-Hour Farm Experience in Gateway Yarra Valley: $66
- 2024 Mt Buller, Melbourne Snow and Sightseeing Day Tour: $92
- 3 Hour Rainforest Walking Tour in Badger Creek: $40
- 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour: $1,486
- 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour: $44
- 3/4 Day Sports Lovers Bus Tour of Melbourne with Tour Options: $178
- 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $40
- African Cat Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo - excl. entry: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Melbourne $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.03
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $25
- Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
- Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $86
- Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $102
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $116
- Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $127
- Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $139
- Wine Tour Yarra Valley, Vic - inc. 2 course lunch + glass of wine: $165
- Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $172
- Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Shenzhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenzhen is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne 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 Melbourne in the Summer?
Both Melbourne and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Melbourne in the Autumn?
Both Melbourne and Shenzhen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.
In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Melbournein April. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Melbourne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Melbourne. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.
Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Melbourne during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Melbourne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Melbourne. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.