Which place is cheaper, Matsue or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Matsue?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Matsue, 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 Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Matsue $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Matsue $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Matsue? 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: Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Matsue $20
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 Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
- Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $20Matsue $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Matsue $8.81
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 Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Matsue $6.85
When comparing the travel costs between Qingdao and Matsue, we can see that Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Matsue?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
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 Matsue in the Summer?
Both Matsue and Qingdao during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In Matsue, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Matsue. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun.
Matsue 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 Matsue. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Matsue in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Matsue. Furthermore, many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Qingdao is around the same temperature as Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Matsue. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Matsue in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Matsue. Additionally, most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Matsue can be very cold during winter. Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Matsue in the Spring?
Both Matsue and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty.
In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Matsue. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.