Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Qingdao or Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
-
Qingdao Prices
China PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $73Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $73, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $27Nikko $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $54Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Nikko? 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: Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Nikko -
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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
-
Food Meals for one dayQingdao $35Nikko $55
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Nikko $22
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- 1 Day Nikko Wonders Tour from Tokyo: $406
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Nikko – Beautiful Full-Day Personal and Private Tour: $395
- Nikko Cycling Tour with Local Guide: $269
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Guided Cycling Tour with a Local Monk: $269
- Nikko Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: $207
- Nikko Private Customizable Full Day Tour: $266
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Nikko?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Nikko. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Qingdao in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nikko 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 Nikko. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyQingdao 25°C (77°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Nikko. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Nikko. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 17°C (62°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Nikko. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberQingdao 17°C (62°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Nikko in the Winter?
Both Nikko and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nikko can be very cold during winter. Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. Qingdao is much colder than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around -0°C (32°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
It's quite sunny in Nikko. Qingdao usually receives less sunshine than Nikko during winter. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Nikko. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryQingdao -0°C (32°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nikko because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Qingdao in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Qingdao. In the spring, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilQingdao 12°C (53°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.