Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Qingdao?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
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
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- 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 Islamabad or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Qingdao $20
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Qingdao $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Qingdao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Qingdao?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Islamabad or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Qingdao.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Qingdao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Qingdao.
Islamabad is much warmer than Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°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 Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Qingdao. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Qingdao in the Spring?
Both Qingdao and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°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 Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Qingdao. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°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.