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

Should you visit Qingdao or Wollongong?

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

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

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

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 Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Wollongong?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Wollongong. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Qingdao is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 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 Wollongongin January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Qingdao or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Wollongong. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin April. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Wollongongin April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Qingdao or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In January, Qingdao is generally much colder than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Wollongongin July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Qingdao or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Qingdao is cooler than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin October. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Wollongongin October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Qingdao