A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Qingdao vs. Hiroshima for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Hiroshima?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?

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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is positioned on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea and is an industrial city made up of many zigzagging rivers and wide boulevard streets. Today Hiroshima is a modern and vibrant city with great food and an energetic nightlife, but the image that remains in most visitor's minds is the Hiroshima of 1945 when it became the horrific sight of the first atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima shares the colorful neon atmosphere of other major Japanese cities and its hard to recognize the city immortalized all those years ago on that fateful day.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Hiroshima or Qingdao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Hiroshima is $100. 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 Hiroshima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $26
    Hiroshima $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $52
    Hiroshima $128
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Hiroshima

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Hiroshima? 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.

Hotels in Qingdao


Hotels in Hiroshima


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: Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Qingdao $12
    Hiroshima $9.71

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 Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $54
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $59
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $215
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $215
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $228
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $472
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $171

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Hiroshima?

Prices for flights to both Hiroshima 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 day
    Qingdao $20
    Hiroshima $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima No1 food!! 'Okonomiyaki'-cooking class: $40
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $66
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $73
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $79
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $81
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $94
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Hiroshima $5.39

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 Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Kimono and Calligraphy Experience in Miyajima: $65
  • 4 Hour Hiroshima Miyajima Private Tour: $102
  • An Amazing set of Cultural experience: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy: $97
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $37
  • From Hiroshima and Miyajima Island 1-Day Bus Tour: $107
  • From Private Tour to Kure: $126
  • Full Day Bus Tour in Hiroshima and Miyajima: $110
  • Full-Day Private Guided Tour in Hiroshima : $270
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $32
  • Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Hiroshima City: $200
  • Half Trekking Tour with Panoramic View of Miyajima Included Lunch: $119
  • Hiroshima & Miyajima Island Private Guided Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Hiroshima $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Hiroshima, we can see that Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Hiroshima?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Hiroshima. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Hiroshima, 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 Hiroshima?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Qingdao or Hiroshima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Hiroshima. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hiroshima for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Qingdao in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hiroshima during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 194 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hiroshima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Hiroshima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Hiroshima. Additionally, many visitors come to Hiroshima in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Hiroshima. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 17°C (62°F), and Hiroshima fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Hiroshima. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Hiroshima in the Winter?

Both Hiroshima and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Hiroshima for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hiroshima can be very cold during winter. Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. Qingdao is much colder than Hiroshima in the winter. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Hiroshima fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Hiroshima during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Hiroshima receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Hiroshima. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Hiroshima in the Spring?

Both Hiroshima and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Qingdao is cooler than Hiroshima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Qingdao in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Hiroshima averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Hiroshima. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hiroshima receives 193 hours of full sun.

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Hiroshima. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hiroshima receives 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Hiroshima and Qingdao

Qingdao Hiroshima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)