Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
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.
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Qingdao Prices
China PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $77Guangzhou $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $77, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $110. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $28Guangzhou $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $56Guangzhou $122
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Guangzhou? 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: Qingdao Hotel Prices and Guangzhou Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $13Guangzhou $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Liuting Airport private Transfer Service by Car, MPV: $45
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $77
- Qingdao Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $52
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
- Private transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $172
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $190
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $172
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $45
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $36Guangzhou $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Local Life Street Food Tour Hidden Spots and Markets: $39
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Guangzhou Evening Walk: Canton Tower, Pearl River Cruise & Dinner: $140
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $22Guangzhou $19
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tsingtao Beer Museum Ticket with All You Can Drink: $15
- Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
- Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $196
- German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
- Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
- Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch: $202
- Premium Qingdao Private Tour Coastal Scenery and Culture: $210
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $224
- Bespoke Qingdao Private Tour on BMW Convertible or BYD 4WD SUV: $229
- Qingdao Private Tour: Laoshan Mountain&Customized City Highlights: $229
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Guangzhou City Highlight Layover Tour from Airport: $276
- 1 Day Relaxing Exploring Tour in Guangzhou: $156
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour in Your Way: $100
- 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience: $118
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- 7-Hour Customised Private Guangzhou Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $180
- China Education Culture University Campus Guangzhou Private Tour: $153
- Chinese Classical Garden and Ancient Water Village Private Tour: $220
- Chinese Tea Culture Tea Ceremony and Tea Market Private Tour: $180
- Customised Private Guangzhou City Tour with Flexible Itinerary: $180
- Customized Guangzhou City Tour with Local Insights: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $15Guangzhou $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
Both Guangzhou and Qingdao during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Qingdao is cooler than Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Qingdao in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).
In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Guangzhou. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually gets less rain in July than Guangzhou. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Guangzhou.
In October, Qingdao is generally cooler than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 17°C (62°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Guangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Guangzhou.
It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. Qingdao is much colder than Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Guangzhou. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Qingdao is much colder than Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Qingdao in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.