Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Qingdao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Qingdao?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $127Qingdao $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $127, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $59. 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 Shenzhen and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $92Qingdao $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $184Qingdao $54
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Qingdao? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenzhen $15Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hong Kong APT-HTL (HKG): $79
- Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $81
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $81
- Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX): Private Transfer to/from Shenzhen: $48
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $98
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Business Car: $120
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $43
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): $85
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $85
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $20Qingdao $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $79
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $93
- Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $101
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $132
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $172
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $172
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Qingdao $21
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
- 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $107
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
- Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open-Top Night Tour: $40
- Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $79
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 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 city tour with Qingdao beer and Lunch: $240
- Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Private tour Qingdao laoshan with round way cable car lunch: $190
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $20Qingdao $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Qingdao, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Qingdao, 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 Shenzhen or Qingdao?
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 Shenzhen or Qingdao in the Summer?
Both Qingdao and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Qingdao in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Shenzhen during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Qingdao averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Qingdao. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Qingdao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Qingdao.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Qingdao.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Qingdao in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. In the spring, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Qingdao. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.