Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Sendai?
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 Sendai 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesSendai Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Sendai $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $133. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Sendai $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Sendai $122
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Sendai? 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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Sendai $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hong Kong HTL-APT (HKG): $78
- Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Stress-Free Hong Kong Airport Transfer to HK downtown: Meet&Greet: $57
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $86
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $86
- Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Shenzhen Baoan Airport to Shenzhen Hotel Private Transfer: $73
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai City: Private transfer to/from Sendai Airport: $88
- Private Transfer from Sendai Airport to Sendai City: $187
- Odawara to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) -Departure Private Transfer: $103
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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
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Food Meals for one dayShenzhen $35Sendai $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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Local Food Tour in Shiogama, Japan Top Tuna and Sushi Town: $135
- Michinoku Coastal Trail Sake Tasting with Dinner: $143
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Sendai $19
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Afternoon Cycling Tour in Naruko: $151
- Catch and Dine A Gourmet Fishing Experience in Miyagi: $24
- Sendai and Matsushima Private Tour with Licensed Guide: $101
- Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Sendai $11
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 Sendai, 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Sendai?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
Both Sendai and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Sendai. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Sendai in the Autumn?
Both Sendai and Shenzhen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
Sendai 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 October than Sendai. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Sendai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Sendai. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).
Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sendai during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Sendai. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Sendai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Sendai. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Sendai. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Sendai. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Sendai | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.