A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Amman or Rotorua?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Rotorua. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or Rotorua?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

Rotorua

Located on the banks of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is famous as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. The area has a variety of geothermal sights, but it is also close to several lakes and has more traditional activities as well, including fishing, boating and white water rafting.

Rotorua is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is the largest volcano in the area. There are four major volcanic calderas that now have lakes, and several other volcanoes in the area. Rotorua sits on top of a thermal hot spring, and there are many vents and hot pools throughout the area. Many of the hot pools and sights are located within parks, with some of the best being Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

Rotorua has a warm, temperate climate. Because of the area's inland location, it has less wind than many places in New Zealand. Temperatures during the winter months can fall to below freezing, but snow is incredibly rare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $135, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $114. 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 Amman and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $49
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $98
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Amman and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Rotorua? 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.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Rotorua


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $24
    Rotorua $4.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.71
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer to Petra from Amman /Amman Airport: $250
  • Transfer From Airport To Amman: $28
  • Stress-Free Airport Transfers: Queen Alia to Anywhere in Jordan: $26
  • Reliable Door-to-Door Private Transfer Amman ⇆ Dead Sea ⇆ Airport: $40
  • Queen Alia Intl Airport Private Transfer to Amman City or Hotels: $20
  • Queen Alia International Airport Transfers To Amman, Petra.: $235
  • Private Transfer: From Amman City to Airport: $40
  • Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Wadi Rum: $133
  • Private Transfer: Amman Airport to Aqaba Airport: $153
  • Private Transfer from/ to Amman Airport and Petra City: $95
  • Private Transfer from Madaba Hotel to Amman Airport: $47
  • Private Transfer from Amman to Petra, Wadi Musa: $259

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotorua

Also for Rotorua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Rotorua to Auckland Afternoon Transfer with Waitomo Glow Worms: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Amman 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 day
    Amman $58
    Rotorua $50
Typical Food Prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Food Tour in Downtown: $70
  • Women-Led Food Tour Through Amman’s Culinary Scene: $80
  • The Best Culture&Food Tour With Majd The Local Guide: $81
  • Amman Food Tours: 3-Hours Guided Walking Food Tour in Amman: $106
  • Private Panoramic Amman Tour and Local Lunch or Dinner-Wine Taste: $107
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Amman with Return Hotel Transfers: $118
  • Private Jordan Heritage Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with Arak Experience: $140

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet: $98
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience - Haka + Dinner: $113
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Evening Experience with Dinner: $117
  • Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $156
  • Te Puia: Te Pō Indigenous Combo - Tour, Dinner + Haka: $161
  • Evening Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour with dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $32
    Rotorua $34

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Um Qais Private Tour Enjoy The History And Stunning Scenery.: $130
  • 1 Day Tour to Amman Jerash and Ajloun castle : $136
  • 1-Night Private Overnight Dead Sea Independent Tour from Amman : $145
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea Private Guided Tour: $175
  • 2 Day Private Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Amman : $215
  • 2 Day Tour Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $300
  • 2 Day Tour of Petra Wadi Rum and Dead Sea from Amman: $250
  • 2 Day Tour to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea from Amman: $200
  • 2 Days Group Tour From Petra Wadi Rum Aqaba Dead sea: $395
  • 2 Days Ma'in Hot Springs Private Tour: $95
  • 2 Days Petra Private Guided Tour: $225

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Lunch Out for Two
    $27

Tours and Activities in Rotorua

For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
  • Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
  • Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves: $179
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $202
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $206
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $223
  • Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $226
  • Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $162
  • From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $579
  • From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159
  • From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $177
  • From WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half-Day Tour: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $14
    Rotorua $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Tour in Amman and Boulevard Walking Tour: $93
  • Full Day Tour of Ajloun Castle with Cable Car and Wine Tasting : $127

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Rotorua, we can see that Amman is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amman is in Middle East and Rotorua is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Amman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amman than you might in Rotorua.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Amman Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Amman or Rotorua?

Amman has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Amman and Rotorua, 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 Amman or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Amman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Amman or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Amman is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Amman in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.

In July, Amman usually receives less rain than Rotoruain January. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Amman or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua and Amman during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In October, Amman is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Amman average around 20°C (68°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Amman usually gets less rain in October than Rotoruain April. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Amman or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Amman year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Amman is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Amman averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.

Amman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Amman usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Amman or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Amman as well as Rotorua. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Amman is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Amman in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.

Amman usually gets less rain in April than Rotoruain October. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Amman

Amman Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)