Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Koh Samui?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Koh Samui or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Koh Samui or Qingdao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Koh Samui or Qingdao?
Koh Samui
The largest island on the east coast of southern Thailand, Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) sees a good number of visitors every year who come for its lush rainforest, beautiful shores, and undersea wildlife. The size of the island is still small enough to allow visitors to circumnavigate it with a taxi or motorbike in a day, while hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can find plenty of inland activities in the hills and jungle.
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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
-
Koh Samui Prices
Thailand PricesQingdao Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samui $79Qingdao $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samui is $79, 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 Koh Samui and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samui $26Qingdao $27
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samui $52Qingdao $54
Compare Hotels in Koh Samui and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samui 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: Koh Samui Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samui $19Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
-
Scooter Rental$2.36
-
Gas for Scooter$1.26
-
Airport Taxi$14
-
Taxi- Na Thon Pier to Lamai Beach$13
-
Minibus- Airport to Chaweng$3.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Samui
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- The Red Baron Luxury Yacht Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $171
- Smooth Koh Phangan to Phuket Transfer by Catamaran and Bus : $54
- Samui Zipline Adventure with Transfer service: $55
- Samui International Airport (USM) Departure Shared Transfer: $9.00
- Private round trip Transfers from Samui Airport : $38
- Private Transfer from Taling Ngam to Samui (USM) Airport: $70
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Mae Nam: $69
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Lamai : $39
- Private Transfer from Mae Nam to Samui (USM) Airport: $69
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $18
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui hotels to Ko Samui Cruise Port: $19
- Private Transfer from Ko Samui Port to Ko Samui Airport (USM): $19
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 Koh Samui or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Koh Samui 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 dayKoh Samui $39Qingdao $35
Typical Food Prices in Koh Samui
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Samui
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: $77
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $79
- Thai Cooking Class with Local Market Tour in Koh Samui: $80
- Cooking Class by Samui Native Instructor Geng and O Family: $81
- Thai Cooking Masterclass by the Sea on Koh Samui: $82
- Sunset Dinner Cruise by Red Baron In Koh Samui : $83
- Cooking Class in Ko Samui for Small Group : $83
- Thai Cooking Class | Since 2012 | Farm to Table: $83
- Koh Samui Sunset Dinner Cruise: $83
- Romantic Evening on Koh Samui’s Sunset Dinner Cruise: $108
- Red Baron : A Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Return Transfer: $115
- Red Baron Sunset Dinner Cruise from Koh Samui with Transfer: $123
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samui $12Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Koh Samui
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
- Koh Madsum (Pig island) and Koh Tan Day Tour from Koh Samui: $103
- Koh Samui Island ATV Quad Bike Adventure: $99
- Pig Island Experience By Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Kayaking Relaxing on the Beach: $47
- Private Tour in Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple: $198
- Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $83
- koh samui island and water fall tour: $50
- 2 Hour ATV Jungle Tour In Koh Samui : $89
- 2 Islands Sightseeing and Snorkeling Trip From Koh Samui: $48
- 2-Hour Koh Samui ATV Quad Tour: $59
- 2.5-Hours ATV Jungle Adventure Experience from Koh Phangan: $123
- 4-Hour Day Tour in Koh Samui: $27
- 4WD Buggy. Mountain Tour 3 hrs. for 1-2 people per Buggy in Samui: $252
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samui $5.33Qingdao $14
When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samui and Qingdao, we can see that Koh Samui is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Samui Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Koh Samui or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Koh Samui. When comparing the sizes of Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samui experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samui or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samui and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samui year-round.
Koh Samui is around the same temperature as Qingdao in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samui gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samui usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Koh Samui gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Qingdao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samui as well as Qingdao. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Koh Samui is a little warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samui in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Qingdao averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samui usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Koh Samui gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samui 24°C (75°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Koh Samui are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In January, Koh Samui is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Koh Samui average around 22°C (72°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
In January, Koh Samui usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Koh Samui gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samui 22°C (72°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Koh Samui or Qingdao in the Spring?
Both Qingdao and Koh Samui during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Koh Samui is much warmer than Qingdao in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samui averages around 24°C (76°F) in April, and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Koh Samui usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Koh Samui gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samui 24°C (76°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Koh Samui
| Koh Samui | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.