Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Kyoto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Kyoto $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $96. 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 Kyoto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Kyoto $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Kyoto
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Kyoto? 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: Kyoto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Kyoto $7.55
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:
- Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $67
- Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $107
- Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $221
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $136
- Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $212
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $316
- Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $504
- Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $292
- Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $222
- Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $264
- Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
- From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $316
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Kyoto?
Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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 $20Kyoto $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.
- Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $40
- Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $41
- Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $45
- Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
- Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
- Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $59
- Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $59
- Japanese Cooking Class: $60
- Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $62
- Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $63
- Bento Box Cooking Class: $66
- Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Kyoto $13
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 Kyoto
Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto: $48
- Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $149
- "Unlock Kyoto's Charm: Government-Certified Group Tour: $90
- 1 Day Hiking Tour in the Mountains of Kyoto: $169
- 1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto: $38
- 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $568
- 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion in a Small Group: $32
- 2 Hours Shared Kendo Experience In Kyoto Japan: $116
- 2-Hour Shopping Tour Plan / private: $126
- 3 Hour Private Bar Hopping Experience at Kyoto City: $39
- 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $84
- 3-Hour Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in Fushimi Kyoto: $105
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Kyoto $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto
Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
- Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $80
- Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $83
- Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $97
- Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $153
- Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $181
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $189
- Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
- Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
- Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $435
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Kyoto?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?
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 Kyoto in the Summer?
Both Kyoto and Qingdao during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the summer, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kyoto. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.
Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually gets less rain in July than Kyoto. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Kyoto 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kyoto in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Kyoto. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kyoto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Qingdao is around the same temperature as Kyoto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Kyoto 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kyoto in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Kyoto. Additionally, most visitors come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Kyoto can be very cold during winter. Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Kyoto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Kyoto averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Kyoto 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kyoto in the Spring?
Both Kyoto and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Kyoto 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kyoto and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Kyoto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 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 (47°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 154 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.