Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Gold Coast?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Gold Coast $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $98. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Gold Coast? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Gold Coast $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- 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
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Gold Coast Airport Arrival Transfer to Byron Bay: $137
- Movie World To Brisbane Hotel One Way Transfer: $26
- Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Cruise Transfers: $154
- Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Desert Safari Day Cruise Transfers: $147
- Tangalooma Beach Day Cruise with Bus Transfers: $114
- Australia Zoo Ticket and Roundtrip Transfer: $101
- Airport to Hotel Return Transfer: $21
- Gold Coast Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Gold Coast: $73
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Van: $126
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Luxury Car: $127
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Luxury Van: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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 $20Gold Coast $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $72
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Gold Coast $19
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 Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- 1.5 hr Jet Ski Safari tour to South Stradbroke Island!: $184
- 2 Hours Dolphin Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour on the Broadwater: $50
- 2.5 hr Jet Ski Safaris tour - Ultimate Adventure + island stop: $264
- 2.5-Hour Ultimate Learn to Surf Adventure: $43
- 2.5hr Gold Coast Kayaking & snorkelling tour: $52
- 3-Day Ticket: Dreamworld with WhiteWaterWorld & SkyPoint: $97
- Aquaduck Gold Coast 1 hour City and River Tour: $36
- Arro Jet Boating Experience, Surfers Paradise Gold Coast: $52
- Breakfast sailing cruise includes snacks & drinks: $79
- Brisbane: Winery Tour with Tastings and 2-Course Lunch: $150
- Broadwater Morning Cruise: $39
- Broadwater Morning Cruise with Spirit of Gold Coast: $39
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Gold Coast $5.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Tamborine Mountain: Wine Tasting Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $124
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $132
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Gold Coast?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Gold Coast. Furthermore, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Qingdao is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.
Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryQingdao 25°C (77°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Gold Coast. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Qingdao is cooler than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin April. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilQingdao 17°C (62°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In January, Qingdao is generally much colder than Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyQingdao -0°C (32°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Gold Coast in the Spring?
Both Gold Coast and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Qingdao is much colder than Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin October. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.
Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coastin October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberQingdao 12°C (53°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.