Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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: Surat Thani or Qingdao?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $58. 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 Surat Thani and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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.Surat Thani $24Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
- From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
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 Surat Thani or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $14Qingdao $20
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, Cooking Class, & Bamboo Raft: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- 5 island tour: $459
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
- From Phuket: Cheow Lan Lake 2Day Guided Tour with Activities: $203
- From Phuket: Full-Day Private Tour to Khao Sok Highlights: $170
- Khao Sok Lake: Private Day Tour with Boat and Jungle Trek: $179
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
- Khao Sok: Private Longtail Boat Tour at Cheow Lan Lake: $227
- Koh Phangan: Private Land Tour with Snorkeling: $241
- Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
- Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple Tour: $241
- Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $4.96Qingdao $14
When comparing the travel costs between Surat Thani and Qingdao, we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 1642250 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
In July, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 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 JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Qingdao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Qingdao. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 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 OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Qingdao. In the winter, Surat Thani is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 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 JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Qingdao in the Spring?
Both Qingdao and Surat Thani during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 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 AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.