Budget flexes by district and pace. Use metro to save, splurge on a skyline view day. For route ideas, see our Shenzhen itinerary and the 3-day / 5-day plans.
What drives your cost
- Base area: Nanshan (OCT) and central Futian cost more than Luohu.
- Transport mode: Metro is inexpensive and predictable; taxis add comfort but raise spend.
- Food style: Food courts and local shops are great value; bayfront dining commands a view premium.
- Attractions: Observation decks and theme parks are your big-ticket items.
Sample daily budgets (per person)
| Style | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | $35 | $45 | $55 |
| Mid-range | $60 | $90 | $120 |
| Comfort | $120 | $160 | $220+ |
Assumes metro-first transport, two paid attractions across 3 days, and mid-range dinners for “Mid-range/Comfort.”
Category breakdown (typical ranges)
- Accommodation: Budget $30–60, Mid $60–140, Upper-mid $140–240 (see Where to stay).
- Food: Breakfast $3–8, lunch $5–12, dinner $10–25 (bayfront $20–40). See the Food guide.
- Transport: Metro rides $0.50–$2 each; taxi city hops $6–15; airport taxi $20–40 (see Airport to city).
- Attractions: Observation deck ~$20–35; theme parks ~$40–70; museums often free/low.
- Data/SIM: $5–15 for short stays, depending on package.
Common price examples
| Item | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Metro single ride | $0.50–$2 | QR or Shenzhen Tong |
| Taxi 5–8 km | $6–$12 | Traffic dependent |
| Dim sum (pp) | $6–12 | Weekend mornings cost more |
| Seafood dinner (pp) | $12–40 | View premium at OCT Harbor |
| Observation deck | $20–35 | Ping An |
| Theme park day | $40–70 | Seasonal promos apply |
How to save without feeling it
- Pick a hotel 5–8 minutes from a metro station and plan days by district (Itinerary).
- Do observation decks on the clearest day; skip if haze is heavy.
- Use food courts for quick, affordable lunches, then splurge on one view dinner.
- Bundle OCT sights on one day to cut transfers (Window of the World + Splendid China + OCT Loft).
Cash, cards, and mobile pay
- Mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay) dominate; cards are fine at malls/hotels.
- Carry small cash for markets and small vendors; keep notes crisp.
- ATMs are widely available at major stations/malls; check foreign fees.
Two example budgets (3 days)
Mid-range couple
- Hotel: $85 x 3 = $255
- Food: $30 pp/day x 2 x 3 = $180
- Transport: Metro $10 pp total + two taxis $30 = $50
- Attractions: Ping An $60 (two), theme park day $120 (two) = $180
- Total ≈ $665 (for two)
Family of four (value-focused)
- Hotel (family room): $120 x 3 = $360
- Food: $22 pp/day x 4 x 3 ≈ $264
- Transport: Metro $20 total + taxis $50 = $70
- Attractions: Two paid days (mix free parks/museum): ≈ $220
- Total ≈ $914 (family of four)
FAQ
Is Shenzhen expensive?
Comparable to other major Chinese cities, with value options via metro, food courts, and parks. Big spends are theme parks and skyline views.
How much cash should I carry?
$30–60 equivalent is plenty if you use mobile/card for big items. Keep small bills for markets and taxis.
Where can I cut costs easiest?
Choose a metro-close hotel, pick one premium dinner, and cluster sights by district to reduce taxis. See the Metro guide.
