Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Sendai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Sendai $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $105. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Sendai $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Sendai $118
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Sendai? 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: Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Sendai $18
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 Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $20Sendai $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Sendai $18
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
- Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Sendai?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
Both Sendai and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Sendai. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. It's quite rainy in Qingdao. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Sendai. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Sendai in the Autumn?
Both Sendai and Qingdao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sendai for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Qingdao is a little warmer than Sendai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Sendai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Sendai. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sendai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sendai can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Sendai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Sendai averages at about 2°C (35°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Sendai. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Sendai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Sendai. Additionally, most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Qingdao is generally a little warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 10°C (51°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 Sendai. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.