Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Qingdao?
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 Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju)?
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.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Qingdao Prices
China PricesCheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Cheju (Jeju) $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Qingdao and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Cheju (Jeju) $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.Qingdao $12Cheju (Jeju) $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
- 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: $54
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Qingdao 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 dayQingdao $35Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Qingdao After Dark: 4-Hour Illumination Tour with Options: $150
- Half Day Tour and Trek to Fushan Mountain: $170
- Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- German Era Tour of Old Town Qingdao with Lunch and Beer Museum: $200
- Alternative City Tour with Navy Museum, Beer Street and TV Tower, Lunch Included: $200
- 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
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
- 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
- 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
- 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
- All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
- Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
- East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
- East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
- Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
When comparing the travel costs between Qingdao and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Qingdao Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju)?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Qingdao during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Qingdao in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.
Cheju (Jeju) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually gets less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Cheju (Jeju).
In October, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 17°C (62°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Cheju (Jeju).
Qingdao can be very cold during winter. Qingdao is much colder than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Qingdao is cooler than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Qingdao in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.