Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Rotorua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cebu or Rotorua?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Rotorua $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $100. 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 Cebu and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Rotorua $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Rotorua $102
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Cebu 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Rotorua $5.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Trusted Airport transfer to Mactan Resorts or Cebu Hotels: $80
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Mactan-Cebu International Airport: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer: Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Hotel: $27
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $109
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
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: $193
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Cebu 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
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Food Meals for one dayCebu $21Rotorua $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu city: Walking Historical and Street Food Tour: $33
- Private Half Day Ultimate Food Tour in Cebu: $66
- Street Food Tour and Historical Sites Adventure: $72
- The Original Cebu Historical Street and Food Tour: $73
- The Original Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $75
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $97
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking: $99
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $109
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
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: $103
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Rotorua $36
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City with Hillyland Joiners Tour: $66
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- A Half-day Guided Pilgrimage Tour in Cebu CIty: $70
- Active Taal Volcano & Beach Swimming w/ Floating Cottage Tour: $160
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour w Lunch at Loboc River From Cebu: $145
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $214
- CEBU Caubian Island Hopping Tour: $185
- CEBU Island Hopping Tour to Nalusuan Island: $195
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Rotorua's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Lunch Out for Two$29
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
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $27
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $28
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $28
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $28
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $38
- Sky View Private Pools Experience: $43
- Whaka Trails and Maori Village Combo Tour : $45
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Rotorua $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Private Guided Street Food and Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour in Cebu: $250
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rotorua
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rotorua:
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Bottle of Wine$12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cebu is in Asia 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 Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Rotorua?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Cebu 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 Cebu or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Cebu during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Cebu is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Cebu is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cebu usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Rotorua. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In the winter, Cebu is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
Cebu usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.
In April, Cebu is generally much warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Cebu usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Cebu
| Cebu | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.