Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Qingdao or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Darwin, 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Darwin $111
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $111. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Darwin $62
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Darwin? 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: Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Darwin $12
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
-
Shuttle to Train Station$9.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $59
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $59
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 dayQingdao $20Darwin $37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $71
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $91
- Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $96
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $112
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Darwin $15
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
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- Horse Riding Adventure in the Outback: $285
- 1 Day Corroboree Billabong Wetland Experience including 2.5 hour cruise + lunch: $139
- 1 Hour Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $26
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
- 4 Hour Self Guided Gourmet Lunch and Aboriginal Art Tours: $138
- 4-Hour Outback Gourmet Food & Aboriginal Art Tour: $165
- 4x4 Litchfield Park Adventures : $238
- Bombing of Darwin World War II Tour with Harbour Cruise: $99
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin City & Mindil Beach Sunset Market experience: $89
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $103
- Darwin Combo: The Bombing of Darwin Experience & Darwin Harbour Cruise: $56
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
-
Evening at a Bar$16
-
Glass of Wine$4.54
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Darwin?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Darwin. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In July, Qingdao is generally cooler than Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In the summer, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Darwinin January. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Darwin. Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryQingdao 25°C (77°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Darwin in the Autumn?
Both Darwin and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Qingdao is much colder than Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Darwin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Darwinin April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilQingdao 17°C (62°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Darwin in the Winter?
Both Darwin and Qingdao during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Darwin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.
In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Darwinin July. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyQingdao -0°C (32°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Darwin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Darwin. Furthermore, most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches during these months.
In April, Qingdao is generally much colder than Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Darwinin October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberQingdao 12°C (53°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.