Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beirut or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Qingdao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Qingdao?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, 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 Beirut and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Qingdao $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Qingdao $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Anjar baalback & Ksara tour: $130
- Baalback Roman temples tour: $128
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- 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 day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
- Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
- Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
- Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Qingdao $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $150
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $150
- Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Qingdao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Qingdao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Qingdao than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Qingdao?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Qingdao in the Summer?
Both Qingdao and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year.
In the summer, Beirut is around the same temperature as Qingdao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beirut in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Qingdao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Beirut during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Beirut is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 25°C (77°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the autumn, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Qingdao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round.
It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. Beirut is much warmer than Qingdao in the winter. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Qingdao. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Beirut is a little warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beirut in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Qingdao averages at about 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the spring, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Beirut
| Beirut | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.