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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

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 Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa or Shenzhen?

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

  • Shenzhen Prices
    China Prices
    Kanazawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shenzhen $140
    Kanazawa $131

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Kanazawa $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa


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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Kanazawa $9.66

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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
    Kanazawa $58

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

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

  • Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
  • traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
  • Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
  • Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Kanazawa $10

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

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

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

  • 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
  • Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
  • Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
  • Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
  • Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
  • Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
  • Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
  • Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
  • From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
  • From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
  • From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Kanazawa $13

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:

  • Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81


When comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Kanazawa, we can see that Shenzhen 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Kanazawa?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

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 Shenzhen or Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Kanazawa. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Kanazawa. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

In October, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. Shenzhen is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Shenzhen is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Kanazawa. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Kanazawa. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)


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