Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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: Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao?
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.
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 for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, 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 Kuala Lumpur and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur 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: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.41Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.67
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Short Taxi Ride$3.14
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.68
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- i-City Shah Alam Theme Park Adventure with Return Transfer: $59
- VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $75
- VIP Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $196
- VIP Airport Transfer - Departure: $183
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $19
- Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
- Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
- Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $87
- Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $83
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Ticket and 1 WAY Transfer (SIC – shared transfer): $55
- Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission Tickets Including Transfer: $68
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 Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Kuala Lumpur 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 dayKuala Lumpur $15Qingdao $20
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$8.39
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.02
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- ARAS Restaurant at KL Tower Buffet Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Cultural Night Experience with Buffet Dinner : $53
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
- Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
- Malaysia Cooking Classes: $60
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour Include Seafood Dinner (Free Boat Ride): $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Qingdao $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$9.43
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.05
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $241
- Batu Caves And Countryside Tour: $24
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Full Day Melaka Tour with The Shore Sky Tower 43rd Floor - Unesco Heritage: $188
- Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
- History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour: $62
- Ipoh "The Land Of Grace" + Orang Utan Island +Lunch(Guided Tour): $241
- Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $65
- Kuala Lumpur Full Day City & Shopping Tour with Lunch (PRIVATE TOUR): $77
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- *13 Hrs Kuala Lumpur & Melaka Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $108
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 dayKuala Lumpur $6.21Qingdao $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.43
When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Qingdao, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao in the Summer?
Both Qingdao and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 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. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 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 JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Qingdao. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 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 OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 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 JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Qingdao. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Qingdao. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 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 AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 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.