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

Should you visit Qingdao or Okinawa?

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

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

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.

Okinawa

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Okinawa or Qingdao?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Qingdao Prices
    China Prices
    Okinawa Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Qingdao $73
    Okinawa $125

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $27
    Okinawa $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $54
    Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Okinawa

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Qingdao $12
    Okinawa $9.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao

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

  • 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
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
  • Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:

  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
  • Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220
  • Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
  • Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
  • Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Okinawa?

Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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 $35
    Okinawa $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.

  • Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Okinawa $14

Tours and Activities in Qingdao

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

  • Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
  • Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
  • Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
  • German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
  • Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Okinawa

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:

  • 1Day BusTour Yanbaru National Park & Cape Hedo,Kouri Island: $91
  • 200m Parasailing Experience in Okinawa depart from Ginowan Marina: $76
  • 2Hour Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City:(NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $69
  • 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55
  • Afternoon Adventure: Okinawa Local Cycling with Spectacular Views: $103
  • American Village &Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Tour from Naha Chatan: $95
  • Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
  • E-Bike Nature Tour in Shuri: $103
  • E-Bike Tour with Sushi Making Experience: $171
  • Half Day Naha City Historical Bike Tour: $155
  • Karate History Tour in Okinawa: $112
  • Kerama Islands Okinawa Scuba Diving Adventure: $226

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Okinawa $15


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


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Okinawa?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Okinawa. Additionally, many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Qingdao is cooler than Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In the summer, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao usually gets more rain in July than Okinawa. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Okinawa 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Qingdao is cooler than Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Okinawa 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa and Qingdao during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Qingdao can be very cold during winter. In January, Qingdao is generally much colder than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Okinawa 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Okinawa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Okinawa. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

Qingdao is much colder than Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Okinawa 22°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Qingdao

Qingdao Okinawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 24°C (76°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)