A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenzhen vs. Brisbane for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenzhen or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $154. 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 Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Brisbane $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Brisbane $162
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Brisbane

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Brisbane? 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 Shenzhen


Hotels in Brisbane


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Brisbane $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
  • Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $175
  • Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $150
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $146
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $146
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $124
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.81
  • Go Card
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

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

  • UVF Luxury Transfer To Secrets St. Lucia Roundtrip: $100
  • Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $134
  • Secrets St Lucia Airport Transfer: $58
  • Private Transfers From Brisbane to Gold Coast: $133
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $129
  • Private Transfer: Brisbane to Airport BNE by Business Car: $106
  • Private Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Business Car: $106
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Hotels to Brisbane Cruise Port: $102
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise: $107
  • Private Transfer from Brisbane Airport to Noosa for 1 to 3 people: $276
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $54
  • Private Airport/Resort Luxury Transfers: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Brisbane?

Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shenzhen $35
    Brisbane $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

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

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.23
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.96
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.18
  • Ice cream
    $3.60
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.25
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.52
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.58
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.29
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.16
  • Bread
    $1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

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

  • Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $118
  • Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
  • Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $168
  • Local Icons Food Tour: $354

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Brisbane $24

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

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

  • Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
  • Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket in Hong Kong: $24
  • Seat-in-Coach: Macau Day Tour with Simple Lunch from Hong Kong: $185
  • Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
  • (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
  • 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
  • 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
  • Aberdeen Fishing Village Private Tour by Minivan: $232
  • Aberdeen fisherman cultural tour+dim sum by local: $140
  • Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $40
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
  • Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • 2 Hour Sunset Jetski Tour on the Brisbane River: $110
  • 2 hour Brisbane Segway Afternoon & Sunset Thrill Tour: $85
  • 2.30pm Mid Afternoon Sightseeing Cruise: $35
  • 2.5 Hour Sightseeing Tours - Morning & Night: $105
  • 4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay Islands: $177
  • 6 Hour Welcome to Brisbane Private Sightseeing Private Tour: $724
  • 6 Hours Brisbane Private Tour - Popular Sights in One Day: $724
  • Adventure Moreton Island Wrecks Adventure Package: $120
  • Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $27
  • Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $80
  • Alice In Puzzleland an Escape Hunt Brisbane Experience: $32
  • Alpaca Feeding with Wildlife & Nature Park VIP Private Tour: $959

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Brisbane $50

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): $46

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.81
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.16
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.56
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
  • Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure : $66
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $101
  • Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $107
  • Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $110
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $116
  • Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour : $134
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $140
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $140
  • Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $148
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $168


When comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Shenzhen is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Brisbane Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Brisbane?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shenzhen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shenzhen or Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Brisbane. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane 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 Brisbanein January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Brisbane. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein April. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In January, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein October. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Brisbanein October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Brisbane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in)