A Travel Price Comparison for China Qingdao vs. Benxi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Benxi?

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

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

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.

Benxi

Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.


Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Qingdao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $95. 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 Benxi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $26
    Benxi $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $52
    Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Benxi

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Benxi? 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 Benxi


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Qingdao $12
    Benxi $31

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 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
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Benxi?

Prices for flights to both Benxi 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 $20
    Benxi $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Benxi $7.31

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Benxi $7.70


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Benxi, we can see that Benxi 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 Benxi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Benxi 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 Benxi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Benxi?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Benxi. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Benxi, 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 Benxi?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Qingdao or Benxi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Benxi.

In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Benxi. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. In the summer, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Benxi. Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Benxi. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Benxi 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Benxi in the Autumn?

Both Benxi and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Qingdao is much warmer than Benxi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Benxi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Benxi. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Benxi in the Winter?

Both Benxi and Qingdao during the winter are popular places to visit.

Benxi can be very cold during winter. Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Benxi averages at about -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Benxi. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets more rain in January than Benxi. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Benxi -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Benxi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Benxi.

In April, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Benxi. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi this time of the year. In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Benxi. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Benxi and Qingdao

Qingdao Benxi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) -10°C (14°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) -7°C (20°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 2°C (35°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) -7°C (20°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)