Which place is cheaper, Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesSuzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Suzhou $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Suzhou $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Suzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Suzhou $58
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 Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
- Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $35Suzhou $57
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 Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
- Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Suzhou $9.47
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 Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Suzhou $6.50
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 Suzhou, 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Suzhou?
Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
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 Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Suzhou.
In the summer, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit.
Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Shenzhen is much warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Suzhou.
In the spring, Shenzhen is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 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.