Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Sapporo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
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.
Sapporo
Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Qingdao Prices
China PricesSapporo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Sapporo $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $132. 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 Sapporo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Sapporo $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Sapporo $130
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Sapporo
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Sapporo? 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: Sapporo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Sapporo $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo
Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $93
- New Chitose Airport (CTS) Private Transfer: $284
- Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $132
- Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $113
- Private Transfer from Muroran Cruise Port to Sapporo Airport(CTS): $274
- Private Departure Transfer : Sapporo City to New Chitose Airport: $237
- Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Sapporo?
Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 $35Sapporo $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo
For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Japanese Cooking Class in Sapporo with Local Host Kanae: $72
- Japanese Cooking Class in the Heart of Sapporo with Sakura: $72
- Private Market Tour and Cooking Class with Kanae, a Sapporo Local: $82
- Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $97
- Hands-on Japanese Home Cooking Class in Sapporo with Noriko: $108
- Sapporo Night Food Tour: 3 Hidden Restaurants with a Foodie Guide: $218
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Sapporo $17
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
- Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
- German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
- Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $245
- 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
- Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Qingdao + Weihai Day Tour with Buffet: $265
- Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
Tours and Activities in Sapporo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.
- Asahiyama Zoo, Christmas Tree, Fairy Terrace Day Tour | Hokkaido: $100
- 1 Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $281
- 1 Day Tour from Sapporo Blue Pond and Hills of Seasonal Colors: $254
- 1 Day Tour to Hill of the Buddha, Sapporo and Sake: $174
- 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Sapporo Station: $288
- 1-Day Walking Tour in Historical Sights of Sapporo: $161
- 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $286
- Authentic Japanese Home Dining Experience in Sapporo with Noriko: $88
- Authentic Nijo Market Seafood Lunch & History Tour: $64
- Autumn Tour from Sapporo Hoheikyo Dam and Hoheikyo Onsen: $174
- Calligraphy Experience Set 60 minute plan: $69
- Daisetsuzan National Park and Kurodake Ropeway Autumn Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Sapporo $8.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Sapporo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sapporo:
- Sapporo Tour in the Port City of Otaru and Local beer brewery: $174
- 1-Day Tour The port city of Otaru & Local Brewery: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Sapporo?
Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?
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 Sapporo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Sapporo. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Qingdao is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sapporo during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.
Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Sapporo 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Sapporo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Sapporo. Additionally, many visitors come to Sapporo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Qingdao is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Sapporo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Sapporo in the Winter?
Both Sapporo and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Sapporo can be very cold during winter. Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Qingdao is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Sapporo -5°C (24°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Sapporo in the Spring?
Both Sapporo and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the activities around the city.
Qingdao is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Sapporo 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Sapporo and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Sapporo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -5°C (24°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.