Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Pattaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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: Pattaya or Qingdao?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $66Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $66, 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 Pattaya and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $24Qingdao $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $48Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $12Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Pattaya HTL-APT (BKK): $59
- Tiffany's Show Pattaya Admission Ticket with Return Transfer (SHA Plus): $61
- Tiffany Show Pattaya with Transfer: $64
- Tiffany Show Pattaya with Transfer: $64
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Surat Thani Hotel Transfer: to/from Bangkok Hotel Transfer: $419
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $45
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $43
- Return hotel transfers to Gems Gallery Pattaya (Jewelry) : $2.12
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $95
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $102
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $112
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 Pattaya or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $22Qingdao $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $21Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- 2 Islands Full Day Tour Catamaran with Lunch in Pattaya: $102
- 3 Days Thailand Motorcycle Coastal Tour: $1,054
- 5 Days – Motorcycle tour to River Kwai and Khao Yai: $1,757
- A Superstar Model Experience in Pattaya with Photo Expert: $112
- ATV & Buggy Adventures Pattaya - Novice Rider 27km Basic Track: $99
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $33
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $42
- Amazing Discovery Pattaya Tours with Floating Market & Lunch : $75
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $12
- Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket (3D Art ): $12
- Art in Paradise: 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $14
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $8.18Qingdao $14
When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Qingdao, we can see that Pattaya 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya 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 Pattaya or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pattaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pattaya or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.
In the summer, Pattaya is a little warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Qingdao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao during summer. Pattaya gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Qingdao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Qingdao. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), 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 Pattaya this time of the year. In the autumn, Pattaya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Pattaya gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
Pattaya receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. Pattaya is much warmer than Qingdao in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Pattaya gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Qingdao in the Spring?
Both Qingdao and Pattaya during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Pattaya is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Qingdao averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pattaya. In the spring, Pattaya often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Pattaya gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Pattaya usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 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.