Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hanoi or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hanoi and Qingdao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hanoi or Qingdao?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, 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 Hanoi and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.89Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
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Short Taxi Ride$1.36
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Wonderbay Luxury 1 Day Cruise from Hanoi with Expressway Transfer: $75
- VIP LUXURY Sapa 2D1N -TRANSFER BY LUX LIMOUSINE CAR (Stay at 5* hotel): $189
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi HTL-APT (HAN): $14
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Ha Noi APT-HTL (HAN): $14
- Transfer to or from Sapa in a Sleeper Bus from Hanoi: $34
- Transfer between Hanoi and Sapa : $14
- Transfer Hanoi to Halong Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
- The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N Stay At 3* Hotel -Transfer by Sleep BUS : $159
- The Best Sapa Tour 2D1N At 3 Star Hotel by sleeping BUS TRANSFER : $129
- The Best 2D1N HALONG BAY- All Inclusive,Overnight on Boat By Expressway Transfer: $125
- Symphony Cruise- Luxury Day Trip From Hanoi With Express Transfer: $105
- Small Group Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Tour with Limousine Transfer : $45
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 Hanoi or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $13Qingdao $20
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Bowl of Pho$0.80
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $5.00
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi food tour-Local street food tour (food&guide included): $21
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.51Qingdao $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.60
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
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National History Museum$1.60
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- All-Inclusive 2D/1N 5star Cruises: Meals-Kayak-Cave-Accommodation : $175
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- Bicycle Tours Full Day Bicycle Tours City & Countryside: $89
- From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230
- Full Day Tour To Trang An Complex & Bai Dinh Temple: $97
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
- Group Jeep Tour Discover Hanoi : $58
- Ha Noi Private city tour and water puppet private tour: $59
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 dayHanoi $7.70Qingdao $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Pub Crawl Party & Hanoi's nightlife: $65
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Qingdao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Hanoi or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Qingdao. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Hanoi is a little warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Qingdao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Qingdao. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Qingdao. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
In October, Hanoi is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Hanoi. In October, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Hanoi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. Hanoi is much warmer than Qingdao in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
Hanoi usually gets less rain in January than Qingdao. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
In the spring, Hanoi is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Qingdao averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hanoi usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.