Which place is cheaper, Atami or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Atami?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Atami, 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: Qingdao or Atami?
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.
Atami
Sharing a home with the famous Mount Fuji inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Atami is a Japanese city set on the seaside of the Izu Peninsula. With volcanic hills and natural hot springs, visitors are very much drawn to the unique landscape of the place. There are many hot springs resorts that take advantage of the area's natural features, which have been attracting visitors since the 8th century.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Atami $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Atami is $86. 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 Qingdao and Atami in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Atami $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Atami $86
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Atami
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Atami? 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: Atami Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Atami $35
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Atami
Also for Atami, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Narita Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $650
- Haneda Airport to/from Izu or Atami City Private Transfer: $557
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Atami?
Prices for flights to both Atami and Qingdao 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 dayQingdao $20Atami $24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Atami $7.68
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
Tours and Activities in Atami
For Atami, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ACAO BEACH: Tent Sauna experience at private resort: $114
- "Explore Atami's Culinary Culture" Walking Tour: $44
- Exclusive Geisha Experience: $114
- Hakone one day tour: $157
- Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $131
- Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $104
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Atami $5.45
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Atami, we can see that Atami 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami 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 Qingdao Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Atami?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Atami, 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 Qingdao or Atami?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Qingdao or Atami in the Summer?
Both Atami and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Atami during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Qingdao. In July, Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Atami 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Atami in the Autumn?
Both Atami and Qingdao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the autumn for the shopping scene.
Qingdao is around the same temperature as Atami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Atami. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.
Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Atami. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Atami 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Atami in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Atami. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Atami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Atami averages at about 5°C (42°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Atami during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Atami. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Atami 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Atami in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Atami. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Atami because of the beaches.
In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Atami. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Atami. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Atami. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Atami 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Atami and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Atami | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 164 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.