A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Qingdao vs. Nagoya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Nagoya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

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.

Nagoya

Nagoya is Japan's fourth-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, as well as one of the nation's major economic centers, being the home of auto giants like Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi Motors. With a history that dates back to samurai and ninja, Nagoya has evolved over the years into a trade center and hub for automobile and aircraft manufacturing. And it's also home to the Legoland resort!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Luxury Tours to Japan, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagoya or Qingdao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Nagoya is $89. 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 Nagoya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $26
    Nagoya $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $52
    Nagoya $92
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Nagoya

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Nagoya? 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.

Hotels in Qingdao


Hotels in Nagoya


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: Nagoya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Qingdao $12
    Nagoya $11

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagoya

Also for Nagoya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Nagoya hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya city hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port : $131
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya hotels: $66
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Nagoya Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Nagoya City Hotels to Kanazawa Cruise Port: $144
  • Private Transfer between Chubu Centrair Int'l Airport and Nagoya: $283
  • Private Transfer - Nagoya Cruise Port to Nagoya Int Airport (NGO): $94
  • Private One-Way Transfers to/from Suzuka Circuit: $276
  • Nagoya airport to/from LEGOLAND Private transfer: $187
  • Chubu Itn Airport to/from Nagoya City private transfer: $136
  • Chubu Airport (NGO): Private Transfer to/from Naign Shrine: $768
  • Chubu Airport (NGO) to/from Nagoya Private Transfer: $157

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Nagoya?

Prices for flights to both Nagoya 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 day
    Qingdao $20
    Nagoya $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Grandma’s Traditional Cooking Class: $65
  • Nagoya Special Food Tour: $66
  • Market Tour and Authentic Nagoya Cuisine Cooking Class With a Local in Her Home: $92
  • Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Nagoya $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 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 Nagoya

For Nagoya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Day Tour with Ghibli Park Admission Ticket Round Trip from Nagoya: $174
  • Experience Japanese calligraphy & tea ceremony at a traditional house in Nagoya: $109
  • Explore Holy Mt Horaiji Private Tour: $207
  • Explore-Castles Tour in Samurai City Aichi Using Local Train: $233
  • From Gujo, Hida Takayama, and Shirakawa-go Day Tour: $60
  • From Ise Grand Shrine Day Tour: $60
  • Full-Day Kisoji Nakasendo Trail Tour from Nagoya: $226
  • Ghibli Park Ticket and Accommodation 2 Days Package (No Guide): $179
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Tokugawa Museum and Garden: $142
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Nagoya Castle & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $118
  • Guided Half-day Tour(AM) to Noritake Garden & Toyota Commemorative Museum: $110
  • Guided Half-day Tour(PM) to Nagoya Castle and Modern Technology at SCMAGLEV: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Nagoya $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nagoya

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nagoya:

  • Pub Crawl in Nagoya: $38
  • Restaurant and Bar Crawl in Nagoya Japan: $40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Nagoya, we can see that Nagoya 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 Nagoya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagoya 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 Nagoya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Nagoya?

Nagoya has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Nagoya, 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 Nagoya?

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 Nagoya in the Summer?

Both Nagoya and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nagoya for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Qingdao is around the same temperature as Nagoya in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Nagoya fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 170 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagoya. It's quite rainy in Qingdao. In July, Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagoya. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 213 mm (8.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Nagoya 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Nagoya in the Autumn?

Both Nagoya and Qingdao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagoya because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Nagoya. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Nagoya averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nagoya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Nagoya. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Nagoya 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Nagoya in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Nagoya. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagoya this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagoya in the winter. The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In January, Qingdao is generally much colder than Nagoya. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Nagoya fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagoya during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Nagoya receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Nagoya. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Nagoya 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Nagoya in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Nagoya. Also, many travelers come to Nagoya for the activities around the city.

Qingdao is cooler than Nagoya in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Nagoya fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Nagoya. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagoya receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagoya. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Nagoya. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nagoya receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Nagoya 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Nagoya and Qingdao

Qingdao Nagoya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 65 mm (2.6 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) 152 mm (6 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 157 mm (6.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 213 mm (8.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 204 mm (8 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)