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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Kobe?

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 Kobe 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 Kobe?

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.

Kobe

Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kobe 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 Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Kobe $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Kobe

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Kobe? 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 Kobe


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: Kobe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenzhen $15
    Kobe $14

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe

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

  • Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $176
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
  • Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $155
  • Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Kansai Airport: $176
  • Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
  • Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Kobe?

Prices for flights to both Kobe 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
    Kobe $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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe

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

  • Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
  • Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
  • Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
  • Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
  • Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
  • Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
  • Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Kobe $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

Tours and Activities in Kobe

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

  • Kobe to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival Day Tour : $264
  • 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $178
  • 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $143
  • 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $177
  • Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
  • Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
  • Cruise Shore Excursion: Kobe Sake Tasting with Local Guide: $108
  • Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $159
  • KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $103
  • KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $108
  • KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $88
  • KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Kobe $8.87

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 Kobe

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

  • Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
  • Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
  • KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
  • Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
  • 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186


When comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Kobe, 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 Kobe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Kobe?

Kobe has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Kobe, 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 Kobe?

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 Kobe in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Kobe. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kobe for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kobe 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 Kobe. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Kobe 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Kobe in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Kobe. Additionally, many visitors come to Kobe in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kobe. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Kobe. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Kobe 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Kobe in the Winter?

Both Kobe and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Kobe. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Kobe 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Kobe in the Spring?

Both Kobe and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kobe because of the activities around the city.

Shenzhen is much warmer than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Kobe. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Kobe. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Kobe 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kobe and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Kobe
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 5°C (42°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 23°C (73°F) 219 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)


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