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

Should you visit Qingdao or Canberra?

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

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

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.

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Canberra 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 Canberra is $133. 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 Canberra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $26
    Canberra $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $52
    Canberra $164
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Canberra

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Canberra? 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 Canberra


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: Canberra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Qingdao $12
    Canberra $24

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 Canberra

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

  • Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
  • Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $117
  • Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Canberra?

Prices for flights to both Canberra 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
    Canberra $34

Typical Food Prices in Canberra

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


  • Lunch
    $16

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Canberra $17

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 Canberra

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

  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $99
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $118
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $111
  • Best of Wildlife Tour: $88
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $117
  • Capital Christmas: Private Festive Tour in Canberra: $642
  • Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour: $864
  • Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Canberra $16

Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.08

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

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

  • Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $98
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
  • Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $121
  • CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $147
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $158
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162


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


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Canberra?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Canberra, 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 Canberra?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite rainy in Qingdao. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Qingdao or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra and Qingdao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Qingdao is around the same temperature as Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Canberrain April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Canberra 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Canberra. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Canberrain July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Qingdao or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Canberra. Additionally, many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city.

In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Canberrain October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Canberra 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Canberra and Qingdao

Qingdao Canberra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)