Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Qingdao Prices
China PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Koh Tao $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Koh Tao $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Koh Tao? 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: Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Koh Tao $9.98
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.97
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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 $35Koh Tao $18
Typical Food Prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.28
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Breakfast$4.71
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.77
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
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Pancake$2.20
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American Breakfast (for Two)$8.79
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao : $51
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao : $55
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $208
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Koh Tao $30
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.85
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Snorkel Rental$3.14
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.14
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $27
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $24
- Basic Diver ( One Day Experience): $124
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $54
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $24
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $27
- Koh Tao Island Puzzle and Treasure Hunt Adventure: $75
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $29
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat : $27
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $32
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $27
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Koh Tao $8.22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$2.04
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Bottle of Wine$12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Koh Tao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Qingdao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Qingdao than you might in Koh Tao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Qingdao Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Koh Tao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 1190 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Tao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Koh Tao. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
Koh Tao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Koh Tao. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Koh Tao. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
Qingdao is cooler than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°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 Koh Tao. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Koh Tao. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Tao in the Winter?
Both Koh Tao and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Tao is February to June.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Tao in the Spring?
Both Koh Tao and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
In April, Qingdao is generally much colder than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Koh Tao. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.