Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Qingdao or Melbourne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
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.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Melbourne $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $176. 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 Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Melbourne $118
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Melbourne $236
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Melbourne? 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: Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Melbourne $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
-
Airport Bus$10
-
Tram Ride$2.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $372
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne HTL-APT (MEL): $99
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Melbourne APT-HTL (MEL): $99
- Private Transfer from Melbourne hotels to Melbourne Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Melbourne Port to Melbourne Airport (MEL): $52
- Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $52
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Melbourne Airports: $86
- Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $79
- Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $86
- Private Airport Transfer in Melbourne: $99
- Mt Buller 1 Day Snow Tour (Direct Transfer To Mt Buller Village From Melbourne): $89
- Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $198
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 dayQingdao $20Melbourne $30
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Coffee$2.60
-
Pizza$4.54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $53
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $78
- Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
- Pizza Making Party: $89
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $97
- Secret Food Tour: $109
- Chinese Cooking Class Master: $118
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $122
- Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $129
- Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $130
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Melbourne $27
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 Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Penguin Island Tour from Melbourne Penguins express: $79
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $125
- 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Eco Tour with lunch from Melbourne: $109
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $800
- 2-Hour Farm Experience in Gateway Yarra Valley: $66
- 2024 Mt Buller, Melbourne Snow and Sightseeing Day Tour: $92
- 3 Hour Rainforest Walking Tour in Badger Creek: $40
- 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour: $1,486
- 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour: $44
- 3/4 Day Sports Lovers Bus Tour of Melbourne with Tour Options: $178
- 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $40
- African Cat Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo - excl. entry: $60
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Melbourne $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
-
Bottle of Wine$5.03
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $25
- Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
- Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $86
- Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $102
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $116
- Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $127
- Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $139
- Wine Tour Yarra Valley, Vic - inc. 2 course lunch + glass of wine: $165
- Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $172
- Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Qingdao is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Qingdao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Qingdao or Melbourne in the Summer?
Both Melbourne and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Qingdao is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Melbourne. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Qingdao. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryQingdao 25°C (77°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Melbourne in the Autumn?
Both Melbourne and Qingdao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Qingdao is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Melbournein April. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Melbournein April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilQingdao 17°C (62°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Melbourne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Melbourne. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyQingdao -0°C (32°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Melbourne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Melbourne. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the spring, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Melbournein October. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberQingdao 12°C (53°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.