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

Should you visit Qingdao or Torquay?

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

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

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.

Torquay

Located on the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a seaside town of Victoria famous for its surfing and beaches. Surf town through and through, it is also the headquarters for the Quiksilver and Rip Curl surf gear companies, and home to the Rip Curl Easter Pro, the world's longest running surf contest held on Bells Beach.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay 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 Torquay is $86. 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 Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $26
    Torquay $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $52
    Torquay $78
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Torquay? 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 Torquay


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
    Torquay $39

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
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
  • Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay 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
    Torquay $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Torquay $11

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 Torquay

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.

  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $73
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $94
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $93
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $52
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $92
  • Three-Quarter Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise: $119
  • Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Torquay $7.42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Torquay, we can see that Torquay is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Qingdao is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Torquay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Torquay 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 Torquay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Torquay?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Torquay is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Qingdao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Qingdao or Torquay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Torquay. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Torquayin January. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Torquayin January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Torquay. Also, many travelers come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Qingdao is cooler than Torquay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Torquayin April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Torquay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Torquay averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Qingdao is generally much colder than Torquayin October. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Torquayin October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Qingdao

Qingdao Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)