A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Qingdao vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Nagano?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Nagano?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Nagano. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Qingdao or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Nagano. Additionally, many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Qingdao is around the same temperature as Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°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 Nagano. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Qingdao or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Nagano during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Nagano. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Qingdao or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Nagano. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Qingdao