A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Roatan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Auckland or Roatan?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Roatan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Auckland or Roatan?

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

Roatan

Your next great vacation lies just thirty miles off the north coast of Honduras. Right above the world's largest coral reef is the island of Roatan. As a popular tourist attraction and standard cruise destination, it's not uncommon to see tons of Americans during your trip. In fact, the cruising industry has had huge impact on the island's culture. While ships are in port, traffic will be heavier and prices may go up. Because of the growth of tourism, most locals speak both Spanish and English.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, and The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras.


Which place is cheaper, Roatan or Auckland?

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 Auckland is $172, while the average daily cost in Roatan is $42. 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 Auckland and Roatan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $100
    Roatan $10
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $200
    Roatan $20
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Roatan

Looking for a hotel in Auckland or Roatan? 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 Auckland


Hotels in Roatan


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: Auckland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $18
    Roatan $17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

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


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.57
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

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

  • Auckland Airport One-Way Private Transfer: Airport to CBD Hotels: $24
  • AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
  • Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
  • Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
  • Airport Private Transfer: $43
  • Auckland Airport Transfer To and From City Center: $49
  • Private Auckland Airport Transfer to/from Hotel in SUV/ Sedan: $49
  • Auckland City Hotel to Cruise Ship Transfer by SUV: $49
  • Auckland CBD to Auckland Airport - ONEWAY Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Cruise Port to Auckland: $54
  • Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland CBD Hotel to Auckland Airport: $55
  • Private One-Way Transfer: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Roatan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Roatan are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $3.91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Roatan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Roatan:

  • West Bay Beach Day Pass & Private Transfer – Roatán: $89
  • Transfers to West End by night from hotels in West Bay or Sandy Bay: $25
  • South Side Horseback Riding, Beach Break & Roundway Transfer: $120
  • Scuba Dive in the West End of Roatan with Private Transfer: $155
  • Roatan Zipline, Monkey, Macaws & Sloths Eco Park, Snorkeling, Transfer: $120
  • Roatan West End Beach Break with Private Transfer: $45
  • Roatan East End Cultural Experience, Island Lunch & Private Transfer: $95
  • Roatan Buggy Adventure, Snorkeling, Beach Pass plus Private Transfer: $199
  • Roatan Airport Private Shuttle – Island Transfers: $65
  • Private Transfer from Honduras Roatan Airport (RTB) to Roatan Hotels: $155
  • Mahogany Bay Cruise Port to Roatan Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $62
  • Let's Go Native Roatan City Cultural Tour, Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Roatan?

Prices for flights to both Roatan and Auckland 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
    Auckland $46
    Roatan $15
Typical Food Prices in Auckland

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


  • Breakfast
    $4.78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

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

  • Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $103
  • Auckland Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $118
  • Ponsonby Road Food Tour in Auckland: $143
  • Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
  • Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
  • From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Roatan

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Roatan.

  • Cooking classes from a Local!: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $28
    Roatan $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

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


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $121

Tours and Activities in Auckland

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

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
  • Auckland City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
  • Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
  • Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket: $16
  • Auckland Harbour Sightseeing Cruise: $17
  • Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
  • Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
  • Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
  • Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
  • Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise: $25
  • Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26

Tours and Activities in Roatan

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Roatan are as follows:

  • 1 Stop Snorkel Adventure with Beach Break: $45
  • 2 Hour Zip Lining Private Tour in Mahogany Bay: $65
  • 2-Hour Private Off Road ATV and Beach Experience in Bay Islands: $81
  • 4 Hours Private Tour with Snorkeling and West Bay Beach Break: $80
  • ATV & community adventure, Mangrove tour, food tasting and Beach: $145
  • ATV Off Road Tour and Cultural Experience in Roatan: $147
  • ATV Safari and Horseback Adventure at Mahogany Bay: $99
  • ATVS, Sloths and Monkeys, Beach Break Private Tour: $130
  • Adventures of Roatan ATV Pineapple beach break: $120
  • Atv Island Tour: $140
  • Cruise Ship Family Chocolate Factory, Sloths & Monkeys, Beach, Transportation: $59
  • Cruise Ship Multiple Snorkeling, Snacks, Music & Private Vehicle: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $13
    Roatan $6.49

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

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

  • Auckland Wine Tour: Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Guide: $15
  • Auckland Coastal Brewery Kayak Tour: $72
  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Auckland with 3-Course Vineyard Lunch: $121
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
  • Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
  • Kumeu Wine Tasting & Local Flavours Tour: Vines, Brews & Views: $182
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
  • City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
  • Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $243
  • Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278

Sample the Local Flavors in Roatan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Roatan:

  • Bar Crawl Tour in West End Village by Pedibike- Let the Good Times Roll: $80
  • Roatan ATV Adventure, Island Tour and Craft Brewery Experience: $99
  • Roatan Horseback Ride, Island Tour and Brewery Tasting: $125


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Roatan, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Roatan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific and Roatan is in Central America, 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 Roatan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roatan 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Roatan.

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


Which is Bigger, Auckland or Roatan?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Roatan. When comparing the sizes of Auckland and Roatan, 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.