Which place is cheaper, Kobe 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 Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Qingdao Prices
China PricesKobe Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Kobe $130
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $130. 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 Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Kobe $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Kobe $126
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Kobe? 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: Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Kobe $14
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
- Private Qingdao Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $80
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $54
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $53
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $176
- Private Transfer from Kobe Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $71
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport (UKB): $91
- Private Transfer from Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer Kobe Airport UKB to Osaka and Kobe City: $58
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $155
- Kobe to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $76
- Kobe hotels to Kobe Airport (UKB) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
- Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Kansai Airport: $176
- Kobe City: Private transfer to/from Itami Airport: $115
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe 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 $35Kobe $54
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Okonomiyaki Cooking Class: Create Your Own Savory Pancake: $55
- Kobe Home Cooking Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class: $61
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Shinkaichi Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
- Discover Kobe's Flavors On A Cooking Class: $76
- Kobe Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $95
- Cooking Class with Kobe Beef Sukiyaki and Origami: $101
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $223
- Private tour in Kobe with beef dinner: $487
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Kobe $24
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
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Kobe to Setouchi Triennale Art Festival Day Tour : $264
- 1-Day Kobe Highlights Tour including Sake Tasting: $178
- 1-Day Walking Tour around Kobe : Mountains, Sea and Sake: $143
- 4-Hour Multicultural Kobe Walking Tour with Genuine Kobe Beef : $177
- Arima Onsen History Tour: $46
- Classic Kobe GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game: $14
- Cruise Shore Excursion: Kobe Sake Tasting with Local Guide: $108
- Full Day Walking Tour Around Kobe Mountains Sea and Sake: $159
- KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $103
- KOBE Sake Tasting Tour at Breweries (tasting fee included): $108
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $88
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Kobe $8.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- Private Sake Tour and Tasting at a Kobe Brewery: $82
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $87
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting Sake: $88
- KOBE Sake brewery PRIVATE walking tour with Local guide: $89
- Sake Brewery Tour with Tasting and Kobe Beef Bites: $108
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $186
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Kobe, we can see that Kobe 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 Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe 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 Qingdao Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Kobe?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Kobe. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Kobe, 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 Kobe?
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 Qingdao or Kobe in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Kobe. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Qingdao is around the same temperature as Kobe in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Kobe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kobe during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kobe receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Kobe. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kobe in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Kobe. Also, most visitors come to Kobe for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Kobe averages at about 18°C (65°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Qingdao this time of the year. In the autumn, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Kobe. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kobe in the Winter?
Both Kobe and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kobe because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Qingdao can be very cold during winter. In January, Qingdao is generally much colder than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Kobe. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Kobe in the Spring?
Both Kobe and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
Qingdao is cooler than Kobe in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Kobe fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun.
Kobe gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Kobe. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.