Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Zhengzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhengzhou or Shenzhen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Shenzhen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Shenzhen?
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $98Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, 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 Zhengzhou and Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $36Shenzhen $89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $72Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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.Zhengzhou $63Shenzhen $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
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 Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Shenzhen Transfer: $71
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $140
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $137
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
- Hong Kong Private Arrival Transfer Driver Meet and Greet: Airport to Hotel: $62
- Hong Kong Private Departure Transfer: Hotel or Cruise Terminal to Airport: $62
- Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $76
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen and Zhengzhou 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 dayZhengzhou $28Shenzhen $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
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.Zhengzhou $8.20Shenzhen $17
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 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: $9.00
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-II_2P): $17
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KE: $21
- TramOramic Sightseeing Tour plus 2-Day Tramways Ticket: $23
- sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck Tickets: $23
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $6.32Shenzhen $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Shenzhen?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou or Shenzhen?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Shenzhen.
In July, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
Both Shenzhen and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Zhengzhou is much colder than Shenzhen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Zhengzhou during the winter are popular places to visit.
Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much colder than Shenzhen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Shenzhen. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Shenzhen. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Shenzhen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Shenzhen.
In April, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.