Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Xi'an Prices
China PricesShenzhen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $111Shenzhen $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $111, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $148. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $65Shenzhen $96
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $130Shenzhen $192
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.
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.Xi'an $13Shenzhen $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- seat in coach Terracotta army within 3rd ring transfers W lunch: $70
- Xianyang/Xi'An to Xianyang Airport(XIY)-Deparure Private Transfer: $48
- Xianyang/Xi'An to Xianyang Airport XIY-Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Xianyang Airport(XIY) to Xianyang/Xi'An -Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Xianyang Airport XIY to Xianyang/Xi'An-Roundtrip Private Transfer: $97
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket （Guided & Transfer Tour Option）: $97
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Departure Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $216
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $214
- Xian Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service Hong Kong with Mercedes Benz: $39
- Guangzhou One Day Tour with Bullet Train Transfer from Hong Kong: $188
- HK City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station Transfer Luxury MPV: $92
- HK: Lantau Priority Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car with City Transfer: $50
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) Transfer to Shenzhen by Toyota Alphard: $220
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $90
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $68
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Port - Round- Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Hong Kong Airport Chauffeur Service, Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $66
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
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Food Meals for one dayXi'an $23Shenzhen $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $38
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $39
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with Private transfer: $55
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket with Optional Dinner: $57
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals: $38
- Hong Kong: Fresh Produce Market and Cook-to-Order Food Tour: $39
- Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
- Best Street Food Tour With a Local Guide in Hong Kong: $97
- Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- Hong Kong Market Walking Tour & Chinese Cooking Class: $131
- Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour With Dinner Cruise From Shenzhen: $136
- Kowloon Street Food Tour Private & Personalized with a Local: $172
- Layover Tour from airport - Classic Hong Kong with Tram Ride and Dinner Cruise: $182
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $198
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $239
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $38Shenzhen $18
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Beijing to Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour by Air: $779
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $196
- 1 day Adventure Tour of Mount Hua in Xi'an: $85
- 1 day Xi'an Culture and History Discovery Mini Group tour: $112
- 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190
- 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors,Wild Goose Pagoda and Banpo Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Tour with Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum and City Wall: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Tour with the Terracotta Warriors, Cave Dwelling and City Wall: $236
- 2 Day Private Terracotta Warriors and Mount Huashan Tour: $265
- 2 Days Xi'an City Tour: $292
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.62
- Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.62
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $4.71
- Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
- Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
- Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Hong Kong Ghost Tour: $6.00
- Secret Hong Kong: Hidden Local Spots Self Guided Adventure: $8.24
- Hong Kong: Airport Express e-Ticket (Kowloon/HK/Tsing Yi): $11
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Ticket Peak Galleria 4D Fun: $13
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.74Shenzhen $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
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): $13
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Shenzhen?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an 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.
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.