Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Phuket or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Qingdao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Qingdao?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $105Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, 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 Phuket and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $56Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $112Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $11Qingdao $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- Ziplining Hanuman Experience in Phuket with Roundtrip Transfer (SHA Plus): $85
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket HTL-APT (HKT): $27
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Phuket APT-HTL (HKT): $27
- Transfer to or from Phuket International Airport by Sedan: $17
- Transfer from Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotel: $21
- TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $30
- TAXI AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $25
- Simon Cabaret Phuket Show Included Tickets and Transfer: $28
- Siam Niramit Phuket Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $44
- Shared Transfer from Phuket to Koh Tao by Coach and Catamaran: $59
- Shared Transfer Phuket International Airport (HKT) To Phuket City - Arrival: $33
- RoundTrip Priva Transfer Phuket Airport to Talang, Kathu or Muang: $54
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 Phuket or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $22Qingdao $20
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Thai Noodles$2.45
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Bananas$0.68
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Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $42Qingdao $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$25
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
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Thai Oil Massage$17
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Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Amazing Krabi Private 1 day tour from Phuket by VAN: $218
- James Bond Island Highlights Tour from Phuket with Lunch: $115
- Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $61
- Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Tour with Seaview Lunch from Phuket: $68
- Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $118
- Zipline Adventure 32 Platforms + Roller + Skywalk: $108
- 2 Hours Phuket Old Town Street Food Walking Tour: $45
- 2-Hour ATV Tour from Phuket: $77
- 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $58
- 4 Waters Eco Adventure: $96
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 dayPhuket $6.35Qingdao $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
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Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $77
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Qingdao, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Qingdao. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Phuket is a little warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Qingdao averages at about 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the summer, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Qingdao. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Qingdao. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
In October, Phuket is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Phuket. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Phuket is December to March. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Phuket during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. Phuket is much warmer than Qingdao in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun.
Phuket usually gets more rain in January than Qingdao. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Phuket.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Qingdao averages at about 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In Phuket, it's very sunny this time of the year. Phuket usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.
Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Phuket
| Phuket | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.