Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Qingdao Prices
China PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Koh Phi Phi $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Koh Phi Phi $100
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi? 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: Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Koh Phi Phi $7.93
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $28
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $35Koh Phi Phi $23
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.88
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Sit Down Lunch$11
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Casual Lunch$6.59
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
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Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Koh Phi Phi $52
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Activities In & Around Phuket: Full Day Customizable Tour : $110
- 6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi: $184
- Banana Beach Premium: Shared Tour: $137
- Early Bird Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $65
- Early Bird Phi Phi and 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi: $100
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $15
- Half Day Rainforest and Waterfall Tour in Thailand: $99
- Half Day Tour Around Phi Phi Islands By Private Longtail Boat From Phi Phi: $110
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Maya Bay Sleep aboard Tour From Phi Phi: $143
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Koh Phi Phi $6.51
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$16
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Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 1640 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Qingdao has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Qingdao is generally cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Qingdao is much colder than Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°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 Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
In April, Qingdao is generally much colder than Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Koh Phi Phi. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.