Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Chiang Mai?
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 Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai or Qingdao?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Chiang Mai Prices
Thailand PricesQingdao Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $61Qingdao $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $61, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $73. 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 Chiang Mai and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $30Qingdao $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $60Qingdao $54
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $4.18Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.26
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Moped Rental$5.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $220
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $15
- Sticky Waterfall Retreat and Chet Si Fountain Transfer: $21
- Private Vehicle: Transfer from Airport in Chiang Mai: $21
- Private Transfer: Four Seasons Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport: $28
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Pai Or Pai to Chiang Mai: $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (one way only): $175
- Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: $175
- Private Transfer Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel in Chiang Mai by Car and Van: $42
- Private Car Transfer – Chiang Mai Airport: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer : Chiang Mai International Airport (SHA Plus): $17
- Private Arrival Transfer - Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai City Hotel(SHA Plus): $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $21Qingdao $35
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$6.12
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.75
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Casual Breakfast$1.26
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Mangoes$0.94
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Coffee$1.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $10
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $10
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $22
- Chiang Mai Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show Experience: $22
- Half-day Thai Cooking Class from scratch by an Expert Chef: $27
- Morning Thai cooking class : $29
- Evening Thai cooking class : $29
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $29
- The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai : $29
- Cooking class in organic garden and local market tour ThaiCottage: $29
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Show Tour in Chiang Mai: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $14Qingdao $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$41
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.88
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Kratong Lessons$3.14
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Pedicure$4.71
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$5.65
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Chiang Mai ATV, Hiking and Rafting Adventure: $81
- Chiang Mai Half Day Rice Planting and Cultural Experience: $51
- Chiang Mai Trekking Tour :Full day (no rafting): $57
- Doi suthep temple & Hidden temple half day private tour(5 hrs.) : $48
- Skyline Jungle Luge and Zipline Adventure Chiang Mai: $58
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $156
- 1 Day Private Tour Unseen in Lamphun Province : $119
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Day Sukhothai Historical Park from Chiang Mai Private Tour: $191
- 1 Day Trek and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai: $86
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $172
- 1 day Private Tour to Unseen Temple in Lampang: $138
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
- Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
- German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
- Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $245
- 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
- Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Qingdao + Weihai Day Tour with Buffet: $265
- Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $7.78Qingdao $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$3.14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Qingdao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chiang Mai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Qingdao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Qingdao. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Chiang Mai is much warmer than Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. In the winter, Chiang Mai is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Qingdao in the Spring?
Both Qingdao and Chiang Mai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.