Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Tianjin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Tianjin or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin or Qingdao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Tianjin or Qingdao?
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $76Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, 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 Tianjin and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $34Qingdao $26
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $68Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tianjin $37Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Tianjin Airport ⇔ Tianjin City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service <Charter charter>: $13
- Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
- Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
- Tianjin Private Round-Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $112
- Tianjin Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Pass and Eastern Qing Tombs: $132
- Tianjin Port Private transfers to Tianjin train station: $50
- Tianjin Port Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $192
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Hotel in Beijing Downtown Private Transfer: $105
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Airport/City Private Transfer: $119
- Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Tianjin Binhai Airport(TSN) to Arrival Private Transfer: $25
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 central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $82
- 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 Tianjin or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Tianjin 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 dayTianjin $20Qingdao $20
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tianjin $10Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- 2 Days Beijing Group Tour from Tianjin Port without Shop Stops: $276
- 4-Hour Private Tianjin Walking Tour with Dim Sum: $168
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Highlight Tour with Peking Duck Experience: $240
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $120
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
- From Tianjin Xingang Port: Private 2-Day Beijing Tour: $550
- Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
- Mutianyu Great Wall Trip with English Speaking Driver from Tianjin Cruise Port: $261
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTianjin $11Qingdao $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Qingdao, we can see that Tianjin 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 Tianjin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tianjin 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 Tianjin Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Qingdao?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Qingdao.
In July, Tianjin is generally around the same temperature as Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 27°C (80°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTianjin 27°C (80°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Qingdao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Qingdao.
Tianjin is cooler than Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Qingdao. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTianjin 15°C (58°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. Tianjin can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tianjin is much colder than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tianjin in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Qingdao. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTianjin -3°C (27°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Qingdao in the Spring?
Both Qingdao and Tianjin during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Tianjin is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 14°C (58°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the spring, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Qingdao. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTianjin 14°C (58°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.