Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Qingdao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Qingdao?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
Qingdao
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $58. 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 Aqaba and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Qingdao? 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Transfers from Aqaba Airport to Aqaba city: $50
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Petra: $59
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
- Private Transfers from Wadi Rum: Dead Sea, Petra, Amman, Aqaba & vice versa: $107
- Private Transfers Aqaba to Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman & vice versa: $47
- Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Qingdao $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $47
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 1 Day & 1 Night | Stay & Jeep + Camel Tour in Wadi Rum | Magic Bedouin Star: $136
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
- 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Qingdao City tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $190
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
- Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
- Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
- Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Qingdao $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Qingdao, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Qingdao is in Asia, 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 Qingdao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Qingdao 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Qingdao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Qingdao, 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 Aqaba or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Aqaba or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Qingdao. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Qingdao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Qingdao. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Qingdao. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
In October, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Aqaba during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. Aqaba is much warmer than Qingdao in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Qingdao. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.
In the spring, Aqaba is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Qingdao averages at about 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.