A Travel Price Comparison for China Xi'an vs. Shenzhen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Xi'an 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 Xi'an 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: Xi'an or Shenzhen?

Xi'an

Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Xi'an?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $97, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $126. 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 Xi'an and Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $62
    Shenzhen $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $124
    Shenzhen $182
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Xi'an 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.

Hotels in Xian


Hotels in Shenzhen


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Xi'an $12
    Shenzhen $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Shenzhen Airport SZX to Shenzhen City by Standard Sedan: $60
  • Arrival Private Transfer Shenzhen Airport SZX to Shenzhen City in a Sedan Car: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfer Shenzhen Airport SZX to Shenzhen in a Minivan: $64
  • China Private Bao'an Airport(SZX) transfer to/from Shenzhen city: $45
  • Departure Private Transfer Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport SZX by Standard Sedan: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport SZX in a Minivan: $64
  • Departure Private Transfer Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport SZX in a Sedan Car: $86
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $98
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
  • Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Shenzen Airport to Hong Kong: $193
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport(SZX) to Hotel: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Xi'an 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
    Xi'an $13
    Shenzhen $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

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

  • The best night food tour in SZ: ten tastings: $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $36
    Shenzhen $17

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

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

  • Home Dining Experience of Traditional Cantonese Cuisine: $32
  • Shenzhen Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $78
  • Shenzhen Car Rental - Airport Pickup & Drop Off, Business & Tourism Vehicles: $90
  • Shenzhen City Tour including Chinese Lunch: $93
  • Private Guided Half-Day Shenzhen City Tour: $95
  • Private Shenzhen Evening Tour With Shenzhen Top Scenic Spots: $98
  • Private Tour: Xiaomeisha Beach in Shenzhen: $110
  • Dapeng Fortress and Jiaochangwei Seashore Day Tour: $124
  • Private Full-Day Shenzhen Highlights City Tour: $127
  • Shenzhen Private Flexible Day Tour with Guide and Driver Service: $142
  • Shenzhen Private Shopping Tour with Local Shopping Guru: $142
  • Private Tour: Shenzhen City Overview: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.41
    Shenzhen $20

About these numbers

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

Related Articles for Shenzhen
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Xi'an vs. Shenzhen Travel Comparison

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