Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xiamen or Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xiamen and Shenzhen 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: Xiamen or Shenzhen?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $64Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $123. 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 Xiamen and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $31Shenzhen $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $62Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Shenzhen? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $5.99Shenzhen $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
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
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hong Kong APT-HTL (HKG): $83
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
- Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
- Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $78
- 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: $104
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $26Shenzhen $20
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
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- 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
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $141
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $159
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $159
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Shenzhen $17
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- Xiamen Private One Day Tailor Made Tour with Gulangyu and City Highlights : $176
- 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
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
- 100% Private & Personalised Tour of Hong Kong With A Local Insider: $63
- 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
- A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
- A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour With Locals : $125
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Shenzhen $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Xiamen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Shenzhen, 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 Xiamen or Shenzhen?
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 Xiamen or Shenzhen in the Summer?
Both Shenzhen and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Xiamen is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In July, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyXiamen 30°C (86°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
Both Shenzhen and Xiamen during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Xiamen is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Xiamen in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Shenzhen. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberXiamen 25°C (77°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Shenzhen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Shenzhen.
In January, Xiamen is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 14°C (58°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In January, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryXiamen 14°C (58°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Shenzhen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Shenzhen.
Xiamen is cooler than Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 20°C (69°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Xiamen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Shenzhen. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilXiamen 20°C (69°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.