Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $123Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Tokyo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Tokyo $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $177
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $116
- Luxury Private Tesla Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (From/To HKG): $114
- 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
- Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Private airport transfer]Haneda Airport (HND)⇔Tokyo City: $150
- Yokohama Private Arrival Transfer : Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Port or Hotels: $152
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $328
- Yokohama Port Shared Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Port: $67
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toyko HTL-APT (NRT): $284
- Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $90
- Transfer in private vehicle from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $81
- Transfer in private minivan from Tokyo City Center to Narita Airport: $110
- Transfer in Private Minivan from Tokyo Narita Airport to City Center: $110
- Tokyo:Haneda Airport (HND) Private One-Way Transfer to Tokyo: $125
- Private transfer to/from Yokohama Osanbashi Port: $189
- Private Transfer from/to Tokyo Narita Airport: $226
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $20Tokyo $37
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 Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $35
- Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Tokyo $68
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Art Japanese Fan Crafting Experience in Tokyo Asakusa: $23
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $99
- Mt. Fuji Majestic Tours : Shinjuku to Arakurayama and Beyond: $80
- Tokyo Full Day Tour With Guide and Foods Included: $275
- “Your name.” Going on an electric bicycle <Roppongi, Shinanomachi, Shinjuku> A 6-hour tour of a sacred place. (With support car): $135
- "Nippori Fabric Town" Walking Tour: $41
- *Starting / Ending at Your Hotel* 3hr Private E-bike Tour Tokyo: $134
- 1 Day Bus Tour To Mitsumine Shrine From Shinjuku: $88
- 1 Day Mount Nokogiri Hiking Tour from Tokyo: $251
- 1 Day Tokyo Charter Private Tour with English & Hindi Driver: $347
- 1 Day Tokyo Private Charter Sightseeing Tour with Guide: $484
- 1 Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Private Wagon: $474
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $79
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Shenzhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Tokyo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Tokyo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Tokyo. Additionally, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Tokyo in the Spring?
Both Tokyo and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.
Tokyo 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 April than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.