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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shenzhen Prices
    China Prices
    Nagano Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shenzhen $140
    Nagano $109

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Nagano is $109. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Nagano $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Nagano $126
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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: Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Nagano $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
  • Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $175
  • Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $150
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $146
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $146
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $124
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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 $35
    Nagano $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Nagano $8.45

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
  • Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket in Hong Kong: $24
  • Seat-in-Coach: Macau Day Tour with Simple Lunch from Hong Kong: $185
  • Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
  • (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
  • 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
  • 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
  • Aberdeen Fishing Village Private Tour by Minivan: $232
  • Aberdeen fisherman cultural tour+dim sum by local: $140
  • Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $40
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
  • Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Nagano -

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): $46


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

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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Nagano?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Shenzhen or Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Nagano. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Nagano. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Nagano. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Shenzhen is much warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Nagano. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Nagano. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)


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