Which place is cheaper, Hefei or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Qingdao or Hefei?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Hefei, 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 Hefei?
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.
Hefei
While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Hefei $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Hefei is $62. 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 Hefei in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Hefei $28
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Hefei $56
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Hefei
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Hefei? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Hefei $17
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: $82
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Hefei?
Prices for flights to both Hefei 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 $20Hefei $21
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Hefei $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 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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Hefei $11
When comparing the travel costs between Qingdao and Hefei, we can see that Hefei 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 Hefei Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Hefei?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Hefei, 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 Hefei?
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 Hefei in the Summer?
Both Hefei and Qingdao during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Qingdao is generally cooler than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Hefei 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 Hefei. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Hefei 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Hefei in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Hefei.
Qingdao is around the same temperature as Hefei in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Hefei fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Hefei. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Hefei 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Hefei in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Hefei.
It's quite cold in Hefei in the winter. The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Hefei. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Hefei averages at about 3°C (38°F).
Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Hefei. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Hefei 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Hefei in the Spring?
Both Hefei and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Hefei. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Hefei. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Hefei 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hefei and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Hefei | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 25 mm (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.