Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Osaka?
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 Osaka 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Osaka? 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: Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Osaka $14
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 Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Universal Studios Japan Entry Pass & Shared 1-way Transfer: $100
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
- Roundtrip Transfer from Osaka Airport ITM to Arima-Onsen Resorts: $109
- Private departure transfer from central Osaka city to Itami airport (ITM): $125
- Private arrival transfer from Kansai airport to Kobe City & Arima Onsen: $92
- Private Transfer from Osaka hotels to Osaka Cruise Port: $72
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport(KIX): $79
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka hotels: $72
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka City Hotels to Maizuru Cruise Port: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $20Osaka $25
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Osaka $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osaka：Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $134
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $179
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $138
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,579
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $117
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,370
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $71
- 5 Hour Osaka Castle Tsutenkaku and Dotonbori Guided Tour: $71
- 90mins Samurai Pilgrimage Osaka Castle Tour: $214
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Osaka, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Osaka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Osaka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Osaka 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 Osaka.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Osaka in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Osaka. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Osaka in the Autumn?
Both Osaka and Shenzhen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Osaka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Osaka averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.
Osaka 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 October than Osaka. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Osaka. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Osaka during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Osaka. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Osaka in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Osaka. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Osaka in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Osaka. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.