Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Qingdao or Seoul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Seoul, 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 Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
-
Qingdao Prices
China PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Seoul $128
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $128. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Seoul $54
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Seoul? 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: Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Seoul $15
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
-
Subway Card$3.58
-
Short Taxi Ride$5.01
-
Metro Ride$0.97
-
Seoul City Pass Plus$7.16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- [Cherry blossom]Gyeongju Tour from SEOUL transfer to BUSAN: $101
- Transfer Service from Gimpo Airport to Hotel City: $57
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport (1-12pax): $164
- Private Transfer To/From Incheon Airport: $90
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
- Seoul Incheon Airport ICN to Seoul - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $129
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Private transfer from Seoul hotel to Seoul Station and so on: $132
- Private Transfer from Seoul to Incheon Cruise Terminal(12 pax): $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 $35Seoul $51
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
-
Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.30
-
Waffle$0.72
-
Dippin' Dots$1.43
-
Chicken Fried Rice$3.94
-
Chicken Stick$1.43
-
Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.36
-
Lunch Buffet$4.30
-
Donut$0.72
-
Mushroom Burger$3.72
-
Green Tea Ice Cream$2.36
-
Udon & Sushi$5.01
-
Fresh Burger$3.44
-
Soba Noodles Lunch$3.22
-
Bibimbap Lunch$3.58
-
Fried Rice$3.94
-
Vietnamese Dinner$6.80
-
Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.80
-
Donut$1.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Namdaemun Market Food Tour: $65
- Seoul by Night: Palaces, Market & Street Food Tour (Vegan Option): $65
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Cooking Class in Seoul with Korean Grandma: $68
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Seoul $26
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
-
Palace Tickets$5.73
-
Movie Ticket$5.73
-
Kimchi Museum$2.15
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- DMZ, Eunpyeong village and Jinkwansa Temple Private Tour : $212
- Private Garden of Morning Calm Experience: $267
- Private Tour Nami Island & Morning Calm Garden: $256
- Seoul National Museum Walking Tour Experience: $35
- (Closed) Korea’s White House Walking Tour Blue House: $148
- (Small Group) Art and Architecture tour of Seoul: $121
- 1 Day Private Full DMZ Tour in Seoul with Crystal Gondola: $220
- 2 Hours Seoul Private Walking Tour Including Pick up: $59
- 2025 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best: DMZ Tour from Seoul: $29
- 2D 1N Phoenix Pyeongchang Reseot Stay + Trout Ice-Fishing Festival Tour: $144
- 3-Hour Self-guided Sokcho Tour with Private Transportation: $30
- Aegibong DMZ and Eunpyeong Hanok Village One Day Tour from Seoul: $51
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $42
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $59
- Korean Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $60
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $73
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Seoul, 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 Seoul?
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 Seoul in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Seoul. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In the summer, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Seoul. Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao usually gets less rain in July than Seoul. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Seoul in the Autumn?
Both Seoul and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
Qingdao is a little warmer than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Seoul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seoul during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Seoul. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Seoul in the Winter?
Both Seoul and Qingdao during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Seoul. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Seoul in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Seoul. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seoul this time of the year. In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Seoul. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.