Qingdao is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Qingdao?
A typical traveler spends $73 (¥521) per day on a trip to Qingdao. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Qingdao based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $35 (¥246) on meals
- $12 (¥88) on local transportation
- $53 (¥381) on hotels
A one-week trip to Qingdao for two people costs, on average, $1,022 (¥7,294). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$511
¥3,647
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,022
¥7,294
-
One Month
Per person
$2,191
¥15,630
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,022
¥7,294
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,045
¥14,588
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,382
¥31,260
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Qingdao cost?
A one week trip to Qingdao usually costs around $511 (¥3,647) for one person and $1,022 (¥7,294) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Qingdao on average costs around $1,022 (¥7,294) for one person and $2,045 (¥14,588) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Qingdao will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Qingdao on average costs around $2,191 (¥15,630) for one person and $4,382 (¥31,260) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Qingdao expensive to visit?
In Qingdao, budget travelers spend $32 (¥230) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $73 (¥521) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $141 (¥1,003) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Qingdao.
Qingdao is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Qingdao can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Qingdao is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Krabi or Jingdezhen.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Qingdao Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Qingdao?
The average Qingdao trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Qingdao travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Qingdao cost?
Qingdao on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$12
(¥83)
|
$27
(¥191)
|
$51
(¥364)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$5
(¥37)
|
$12
(¥88)
|
$27
(¥193)
|
|
Food2
|
$15
(¥108)
|
$35
(¥246)
|
$66
(¥469)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9
(¥64)
|
$20
(¥146)
|
$39
(¥278)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-9
(¥23-68)
|
$7-22
(¥51-154)
|
$14-41
(¥98-295)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Qingdao, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $32 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Qingdao has plenty of hostels like Qingdao Kaiyue International Hostel. At these hostels, you can find affordable dorm beds and a vibrant social scene, but amenities tend to be quite limited.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Those traveling to Qingdao often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $73 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $141. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a premium budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Qingdao
Hotel prices in Qingdao can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $ up to around $. From $ for budget options to $ for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Qingdao for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $53 (¥381). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (¥191) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during , will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Qingdao
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $12 (¥88) per person, per day, on local transportation in Qingdao. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Qingdao is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$12
¥88
There are a variety of ways to get into Qingdao, including boats from South Korea and Japan, the Qingdao Liuting International Airport, and the Qingdao Railway Station. Getting around is pretty easy, especially thanks to a new metro system and a large bus network. Buses can be confusing so make sure you have a good idea of your route before boarding. Taxis are quite common, though can be expensive and occasionally hard to find. Be sure to have the number of a taxi company on hand just in case. Also, be mindful to have passports and visas with you at all times, as authorities are known to check for them, especially when traveling around.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels for $36 details
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels for $36 details
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel for $36 details
How much does it cost to go to Qingdao? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Qingdao will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Qingdao
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Qingdao can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Qingdao is $35 (¥246) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$35
¥246
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Qingdao is around $35 (¥246) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $66. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Qingdao are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $24
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
On Yunxiao Road, you'll find a huge variety of Chinese food options, ranging from the provincial Shandong style to Cantonese and Sichuan. The Shandong style includes a lot of grains and seafood cooked by quick fry or roasted. For more international fare, Minjiang Road has more amazing restaurants in a variety of cuisines from around the world.
As you could have guessed, beer is a popular drink here, thanks to the Tsingtao brewery. You'll find a variety of beer gardens and bars to enjoy the freshest Tsingtao at. The nightlife here is also growing fast, with many Chinese-style clubs and bars as well as a few western-style clubs.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Take a water bottle with you to save on drinks. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Qingdao
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Qingdao typically cost an average of $20 (¥146) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
¥146
Qingdao had a large German population from the 19th Century and into the mid-20th Century, so much so that for the Protestant Church there, they brought over a tower bell from Germany. The church is well worth a visit, especially as you explore the older part of the city, you'll find a large auditorium and bell tower that is open to visitors. For something more traditional, check out the Zhanshan Temple, situated on over 215,000 square feet, the temple has five halls, a pagoda, and a huge collection of beautifully carved statues of Buddha.
Qingdao boasts a large number of beautiful parks, including the Xiao Qingdao Park which is situated on a lush, green, island and home to a German built lighthouse and botanical gardens. At Xinhaoshan Park, you'll find great walking paths and a revolving tea shop where you can get a panoramic view of the city, including the famous Heart to Heart Bridge where couples place a lock on the bridge to represent their love.
Being on the coast, Qingdao boasts a number of amazing beaches to visit, ranging from the family friendly, to the remote and relaxing. Laoshan Beach is one of the more relaxing ones, and is often far less crowded as it is surrounded by mountains. Diyi Haishui Yuchang is a more family friendly beach with lots of things for kids to do and is often fairly crowded. The nearby Dier Haishui Yuchang beach is a good option if you want to stay more local but need something more quiet than Diyi beach.
Qingdao is also famous for the Tsingtao Brewery, which you can take a tour of to see the bottling plant, informative exhibits, and tour the brewery itself. The tour also includes a sample of raw, unfiltered, beer as well as a draft beer. In honor of Qingdao's brewing history, the Qngdao International Beer Festival is held annually at the end of August. During the day, you'll find fun carnival games and food, while at night, the streets come to life with different beer vendor tents, karaoke, and concerts.
A nice way to explore destinations in Qingdao is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift for $199 details
- German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum for $200 details
- Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car for $240 details
Nightlife Budget in Qingdao
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (¥103) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Qingdao per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
¥103
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 15, 2025
Traveling in Qingdao
Qingdao, China
Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.
Weather is at its best during the spring, from April to May, with temperatures staying in the 60's Fahrenheit. Early summers are also enjoyable, although can be a little humid. Late summers are hot and do often get hit by heavy rainfall due to it being in prime monsoon territory. Fall and winter are fairly mild, with temperatures in the 50's during fall and the low 20's in winter.
Neighborhoods & Around
The city is divided between large metropolitan districts, surburban districts, and rural ones. The metropolitan distracts include: Shinan, the downtown part of Qingdao which runs along the sea and is home to the major attractions; Shibei, home to the oldest parts of the city and some new residential developments; and Licang, a huge Peach Blowwon Tourism spot.
The suburban districts are: Laoshan, home to the Laoshan mountain and great beaches; Chengyang, home to a large Korean population and great Korean restaurants; and Huangdao, which is on the Jiaozhou Bay shore and has a few good beaches. The rural districts are primarily agricultural and therefore do not have much for tourists to do there.
Related:
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.