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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 Sydney is $207. 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 Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Sydney $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Sydney $206
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Sydney? 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 Sydney


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: Sydney Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Sydney:


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Try find your better than us!AirportTransfer inSydney APT-HTL SYD: $62
  • Transfer from White Bay Cruise Terminal to Sydney Airport: $27
  • Transfer Between Airport & Hotels or Cruise Terminal: $13
  • Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $251
  • SYD Airport to Sydney City Centre Private Transfer: $37
  • Private City, Harbour, and Bondi Tour with Transfer: $274
  • Private Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet: $60
  • Hunter Valley Sunrise Balloon Flight with Transfer: $363
  • Airport Transfer to Sydney CBD (Chauffeur Driven): $132
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer to and from CBD Hotels: $40
  • Sydney to Sydney Airport (SYD) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer to Sydney CBD: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney 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
    Sydney $77

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

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.62
  • Lunch Special
    $9.81
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.81
  • Meat Pies
    $3.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

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

  • Vivid Festival of Light Harbor Cruise with Dinner: $36
  • City Highlights Walking Food Tour with Harbor Cruise: $45
  • Roti Making Class with 5-Course Dinner: $50
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Buffet: $50
  • Foraging Food Tour Sydney Native Aussie Food: $53
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $54
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Sydney Harbour Tall Ship Twilight Dinner Cruise: $60
  • Kids Cooking Classes: $64
  • Tall Ship Harbour Twilight Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Sydney Harbour: Latin Fiesta Dinner Cruise: $73

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Sydney $31

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $29
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $125
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.85

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bespoke Cycle Tours - Sydney Harbour E-Bike Coffee/Lunch Tour: $225
  • Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches & Ku-ring-gai Park Tour: $286
  • Sunrise Serenity Kayak Tour of Sydney Harbour: $104
  • #1 Blue Mountains Tour Scenic World Waterfalls Wildlife Park: $188
  • 1 Day Perisher Snow Tour: $114
  • 1 Day Perisher Snow Tour: $118
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Adventure: $114
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour: $114
  • 1 Day Thredbo Snow Tour From Sydney: $118
  • 1/2 day Sydney Sightseeing and Bondi Beach Tour: $45
  • 14-Day Sydney to Cairns, Fraser, Whitsundays Comfort Tour: $5,614
  • 2 Hours Running Tour in Sydney: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Sydney $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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

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

  • Big Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Party Hosts: $32
  • Private Wine Tasting at The Rocks: $46
  • Sydney Cellar Door - Old Vine Expressions Wine Tasting: $47
  • From: Sydney - Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Guided Day Tour: $89
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $104
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • Shared Sydney City Walking Tour and Wine Tasting: $124
  • From Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour & Lunch: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Day Tour: $145
  • From Hunter Valley Multi-Brewery Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Small Group Hunter Valley Wine Tour + Lunch, Gin & Choc ex Sydney: $151
  • From All Inclusive Boutique Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $155


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Shenzhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenzhen is in Asia and Sydney is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shenzhen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenzhen 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney than you might in Shenzhen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Sydney Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shenzhen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shenzhen or Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin January. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

Sydney 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 July than Sydneyin January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Sydney 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Sydney. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.

Shenzhen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sydney during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Sydneyin April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Sydney 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Sydney. Additionally, many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the winter, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin July. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Sydney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Sydneyin October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Sydney 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Sydney and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Sydney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)