Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Zhengzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhengzhou or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Qingdao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Qingdao?
Zhengzhou
Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $98Qingdao $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, 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 Zhengzhou and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $36Qingdao $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $72Qingdao $52
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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.Zhengzhou $63Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $82
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Zhengzhou 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 dayZhengzhou $28Qingdao $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.
- Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $8.20Qingdao $20
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 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 half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
- Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
- Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
- Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $6.32Qingdao $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Qingdao, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Qingdao?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Qingdao. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou or Qingdao?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Qingdao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Qingdao.
In July, Zhengzhou is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zhengzhou this time of the year. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Qingdao. Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Qingdao. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Qingdao. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Qingdao in the Winter?
Both Qingdao and Zhengzhou during the winter are popular places to visit.
Qingdao can be very cold during winter. Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).
In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Qingdao. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun.
Zhengzhou usually gets more rain in January than Qingdao. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Qingdao.
In April, Zhengzhou is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Zhengzhou usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (34°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 6 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.