Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rotorua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
-
Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $56Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBuenos Aires, Argentina $40Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBuenos Aires, Argentina $80Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.
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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $109
- Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City - ROUND TRIP: $143
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Port to Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE): $125
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $105
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $105
- Transfer from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery to your Hotel in Buenos Aires: $40
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $85
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $87
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel to Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal: $52
- Transfer Buenos Aires Domestic (AEP) or Cruise Terminal to Downtown Hotel : $52
- The house of D10S With Transfers: $38
- Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers - : $47
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $7.60Rotorua $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
- Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
- Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
- Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
- Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50
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.Buenos Aires, Argentina $30Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Private City Tour Designed for Seniors: $250
- E-Scooter Tour: Recoleta, Palermo & Downtown + Local Flavors: $69
- Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
- Private City Tour with Local Gastronomy: $120
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $262
- 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $127
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13
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:
- Mini Golf Experience: $12
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
- Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBuenos Aires, Argentina $9.27Rotorua $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
- Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
- BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Rotorua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotorua than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Rotorua. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in January than Rotorua. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryBuenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally a little warmer than Rotorua. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (65°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Rotorua. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyBuenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Rotorua. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Buenos Aires, Argentina is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Rotorua. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberBuenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Buenos Aires, Argentina
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.