Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Hangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Hangzhou $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $50. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Hangzhou? 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 $12Hangzhou $8.13
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 Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- Wuzhen & Xitang Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou: $97
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $39
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $20Hangzhou $18
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Hangzhou $20
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 Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $216
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Hangzhou $10
When comparing the travel costs between Qingdao and Hangzhou, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Qingdao Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou and Qingdao during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Qingdao is generally cooler than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Hangzhou.
Qingdao is cooler than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Hangzhou.
The weather in Hangzhou can be very cold. Qingdao can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.