Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang 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 Penang 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: Penang or Qingdao?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, 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 Penang and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Penang and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Penang 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $116
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
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 Penang or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Penang 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 dayPenang $33Qingdao $20
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Qingdao $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $151
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.38
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $82
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $51
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
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 dayPenang $15Qingdao $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Qingdao, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Qingdao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Qingdao 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Qingdao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang 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 Penang or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Penang or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Penang as well as Qingdao. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Penang is around the same temperature as Qingdao in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the summer, Penang often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Qingdao. Penang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Qingdao. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Penang or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Qingdao averages at about 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Penang. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Penang or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Penang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
Penang usually gets more rain in January than Qingdao. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Penang or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang is much warmer than Qingdao in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao during spring. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.
Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Penang
| Penang | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 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) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.