Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Pai or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pai and Qingdao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Pai or Qingdao?
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesQingdao Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Qingdao $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $73. 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 Pai and Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Qingdao $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Qingdao $54
Compare Hotels in Pai and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Pai 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Qingdao $12
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): $53
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
- 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
- Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao and Pai 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 dayPai $42Qingdao $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Qingdao $20
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
- Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
- German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
- Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
- 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 highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Qingdao $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pai and Qingdao, we can see that Pai 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 Pai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pai 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 Pai Expensive? and Is Qingdao Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pai or Qingdao in the Summer?
Both Qingdao and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year.
In July, Pai is generally a little warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Pai usually receives less sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Pai gets 146 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 Pai. In July, Pai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Qingdao. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 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 JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Pai or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Pai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Pai is much warmer than Qingdao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Qingdao fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Qingdao. Pai gets 226 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 Pai. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 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 OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Pai or Qingdao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round.
It's quite cold in Qingdao in the winter. In the winter, Pai is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Qingdao averages at about -0°C (32°F).
In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Pai usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 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 JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Pai or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Qingdao. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Pai usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 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 AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Pai
| Pai | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.