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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa 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 Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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
    Okinawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shenzhen $140
    Okinawa $125

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa


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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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
    Okinawa $41

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 Okinawa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Okinawa $14

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 Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • 1Day BusTour Yanbaru National Park & Cape Hedo,Kouri Island: $91
  • 200m Parasailing Experience in Okinawa depart from Ginowan Marina: $76
  • 2Hour Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City:(NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $69
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55
  • Afternoon Adventure: Okinawa Local Cycling with Spectacular Views: $103
  • American Village &Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Tour from Naha Chatan: $95
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • E-Bike Nature Tour in Shuri: $103
  • E-Bike Tour with Sushi Making Experience: $171
  • Half Day Naha City Historical Bike Tour: $155
  • Karate History Tour in Okinawa: $112
  • Kerama Islands Okinawa Scuba Diving Adventure: $226

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Okinawa $15

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 comparing the travel costs between Shenzhen and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Okinawa?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Okinawa. Also, many travelers come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Okinawa. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Okinawa in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the winter, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Okinawa. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)