Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Tokyo $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Tokyo $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Tokyo? 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: Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Tokyo $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $194
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Guangzhou City Hotels: $176
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $175
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $150
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
- Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $146
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $146
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 【Haneda Airport】Luxury Private Transfer : $90
- Yokohama Port: Private Customizable Tour with Transfer: $352
- Private Transfers to/from Narita Airport(NRT): $79
- Private Transfer to/from Haneda Airport 7 Seater: $124
- Private Transfer from/to Yokohama Port: $195
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport (NRT) : $284
- Private Transfer from Haneda/Narita Airport to Hotel: $308
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Hakone or Mt.Fuji: $156
- Private Customize Day Tour With Hotel Transfer: $200
- One-Way Private Transfer from Haneda Airport: $149
- Hotel Transfer to/from Disneyland or DisneySea: $42
- Tokyo, Shinkansen, Disneyland, Yokohama, City to City Transfer: $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $35Tokyo $67
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 Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.41
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
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Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $35
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $35
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $42
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $45
- Tokyo Retro Backstreet Tokyo Tour Option to Add Dinner: $56
- Tokyo Downtown Akihabara Tour And Dinner Party Adults Only: $59
- Japanese cooking class - Bring the flavors of Japan to France: $61
- Tokyo Cute Bento : Kawaii Lunchbox Cooking Class!: $63
- Authentic Japanese Home Cooking Class in Chiba with Miyuki: $66
- [1 Group Only] Explore Tokyo Ginza Food Tour for Family: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Tokyo $71
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- 4 Hours Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour: $104
- Authentic Samurai Experience With Real Actors: $104
- Can Am Ryker Cruising in Asakusa Adventure: $243
- Futakotamagawa Suburban Gems Private Tour in Tokyo: $83
- Join Tokyo Art Class Experience Publicly: $125
- Manga Artist Experience with Professional Guidance in Tokyo: $115
- Mount Fuji and Iconic Scenic Spots Day Tour : $99
- Pick the Hours That Suit You In A Flexible Tokyo Guided Tour: $70
- Private Walking Tour Tokyo's Fukagawa Edo Museum: $104
- Shibuya Tokyo Private Photo Tour Activity: $278
- Tokyo Skytree Private Walking Tour Experience With cafe inside: $188
- “Daikoku Car Meet Night Tour | JDM Experience in Tokyo”: $278
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Tokyo $34
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 Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Mt. Fuji & Hakushu Distillery Whisky Museum Bus Tour from Tokyo: $94
- Historic Sake Brewery Tour and Culinary Pairing: $125
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $143
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $202
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $243
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Shenzhen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Tokyo. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In Shenzhen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Tokyo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Tokyo. Additionally, most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets less rain in October than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Tokyo in the Spring?
Both Tokyo and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.
Tokyo 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 April than Tokyo. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.