A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Qingdao vs. Auckland for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Auckland?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Auckland, 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 Auckland?

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.

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Qingdao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $170. 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 Auckland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $27
    Auckland $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $54
    Auckland $198
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Auckland

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Auckland? 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.

Hotels in Qingdao


Hotels in Auckland


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: Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Qingdao $12
    Auckland $17

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): $53
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
  • 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 Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.47
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • [PRIVATE] Airport Transfer from/to Auckland Airport: $108
  • VIP / Premium Airport Transfers: $84
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland HTL-APT (AKL): $38
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Auckland APT-HTL (AKL): $38
  • Rotorua to Auckland - Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Caves: $188
  • Private Transfer From Cruise Ships To Auckland Airport : $120
  • Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport Oaks: $72
  • Private Transfer From Auckland CBD Hotels To Cruise Ship: $96
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Thames: $201
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To North Shore Auckland : $120
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Hibiscus Coast: $120
  • Private Transfer From Auckland Airport To Cambridge : $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Auckland?

Prices for flights to both Auckland 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Qingdao $35
    Auckland $46

Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.73

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $102
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Auckland $27

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
  • Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
  • German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
  • Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
  • Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
  • Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $245
  • 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
  • Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
  • Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $119

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Auckland Best Top 5 Spots Half day Tour : $96
  • Cathedral Cove & Hot water beach -Full Day Tour: PRIVATE TOUR : $270
  • Hobbiton Lord Of Rings Movie Set tour Private Driver : $198
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Small Tour from Auckland: $249
  • 24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour: $3,447
  • 4 hours Auckland Friday Night Tour : $78
  • 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $174
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $12
  • AUCKLAND CITY Full Day Tour with War Memorial Museum and Mt Eden: $155
  • Half-Day CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - Mt.Eden, Tamaki Dr: $86
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $117
  • America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Auckland $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $119
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $165
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch: $180
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
  • Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Qingdao is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Auckland?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Auckland, 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 Auckland?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Qingdao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Qingdao or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Qingdao is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Auckland. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Qingdao. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Auckland 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Qingdao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

Qingdao is around the same temperature as Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Aucklandin April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Auckland 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Auckland. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Auckland 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Auckland. Additionally, many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°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 Aucklandin October. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Aucklandin October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Auckland 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Auckland and Qingdao

Qingdao Auckland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)