Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
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.
Kanazawa
An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.
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Qingdao Prices
China PricesKanazawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Kanazawa $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Kanazawa is $131. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Kanazawa $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Kanazawa $132
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Kanazawa
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Kanazawa? 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: Kanazawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Kanazawa $9.66
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
- Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Kanazawa?
Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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 $35Kanazawa $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa
For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Japanese Cooking and Sushi-Making Lesson: $101
- traditional Japanese & sushi cooking classes: $103
- Fishing Experience with Gyotaku and Cooking: $423
- Geisha Performance with Dinner and Drinks: $1,217
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Kanazawa $10
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
- Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
- German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
- Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $245
- 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
- Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
- 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
Tours and Activities in Kanazawa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.
- 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go: $212
- 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $219
- Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa: $211
- Colors of City Tour with Kenrokuen and Kaga Yuzen: $68
- Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley: $265
- Discover Kanazawa with a Local: Private & Custom Tour: $90
- Exclusive Kannon in Temple Tour in Kanazawa: $138
- Explore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide : $103
- Explore Kanazawa with Sushi Making Experience: $207
- From Kanazawa/Toyama: Snow Wall & Mysterious Valley Day Tour: $243
- From Kurobe Gorge & Unazuki Onsen Full-Day Tour: $239
- From Tateyama Mountain Tour with Waterfall & Hike: $270
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Kanazawa $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Kanazawa
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kanazawa:
- Kanazawa Historic Brewery: Fermentation Tour, Tasting, Lunch: $81
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Kanazawa, we can see that Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Kanazawa?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?
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 Kanazawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Kanazawa. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Qingdao in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kanazawa during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kanazawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Kanazawa. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.
In October, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 17°C (62°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Kanazawa. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kanazawa in the Winter?
Both Kanazawa and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Kanazawa. It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. Qingdao is much colder than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kanazawa in the Spring?
Both Kanazawa and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Qingdao in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.
Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Kanazawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 248 mm (9.8 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 306 mm (12 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.