Which place is cheaper, Nara or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Shenzhen or Nara?
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 Nara 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
-
Shenzhen Prices
China PricesNara Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Nara $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Nara $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Nara $108
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Nara? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Nara $6.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service: $35
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport: $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 dayShenzhen $35Nara $51
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 Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
- Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
- Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
- Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $200
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Nara $8.09
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: $2.64
- Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
- Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
- The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
- Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- 2-day Kansai world ExTour I tour around Osaka,Kyoto,Nara,andUji: $221
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
- First Time Nara Tour UNESCO Sites with Lunch and Deer Feed: $83
- Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $152
- Japan's Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour from Nara: $166
- Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour: $221
- Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $74
- Nara - Craft Beer, Sake & Food Walking Tour: $104
- Nara - Heart of Nature Cross Bike Tour: $290
- Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $76
- Nara - Private Family Bike Tour: $207
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Nara $12
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Nara, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nara 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 Nara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Nara?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Nara, 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 Nara?
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 Shenzhen or Nara in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Nara. Additionally, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Nara. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nara. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Nara. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Nara in the Autumn?
Both Nara and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Nara. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Nara in the Winter?
Both Nara and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nara can be very cold. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nara. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Nara in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Nara. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Nara during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Nara. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.