Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Cheju (Jeju)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) 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: Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua?
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
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 Cultural Tours in South Korea, The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCheju (Jeju) $76Rotorua $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Cheju (Jeju) is $76, 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 Cheju (Jeju) and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCheju (Jeju) $48Rotorua $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCheju (Jeju) $96Rotorua $102
Compare Hotels in Cheju (Jeju) and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Cheju (Jeju) 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: Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $11Rotorua $5.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju çity Jeju Island: $25
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
- Private Half-Day Udo Tour in Jeju Island with Roundtrip Transfer: $200
- One Way Transfer to or from Jeju Airport and Jeju si South Korea: $78
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Hallasan Seongpanak transfer,One way, Round trip: $93
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: $197
Is it cheaper to fly into Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Cheju (Jeju) 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 dayCheju (Jeju) $18Rotorua $31
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.73
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108
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: $104
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cheju (Jeju) $5.78Rotorua $36
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2Days Private Luxury Tour With Experienced Driver in Jeju island: $135
- Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $60
- Small Group Day Tour in East Jeju Healing Island: $115
- 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For 'JEJU PORT' Cruise Guests: $69
- 1Day Tour to Jeju for Gangjeong Seogwipo Cruise Guests: $72
- 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour very experience taxi tour: $150
- 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $150
- 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $115
- 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $150
- 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
- 5Hour Private Taxi driver Tour in Jeju: $240
- Airport Transit Tour in Jeju : Customizable Private Tour: $297
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
- Whaka Geothermal Trails Self-Guided Tour: $22
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $28
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $28
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $28
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $28
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $29
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $29
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $29
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $39
- Sky View Private Pools Experience: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCheju (Jeju) $7.51Rotorua $12
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 Cheju (Jeju) and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cheju (Jeju) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Cheju (Jeju) as well as Rotorua. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Cheju (Jeju) is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Cheju (Jeju) gets 230 mm (9.1 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 JanuaryCheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Cheju (Jeju) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
Cheju (Jeju) is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cheju (Jeju) averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
In October, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Cheju (Jeju) gets 74 mm (2.9 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 AprilCheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Cheju (Jeju) during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Cheju (Jeju) is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
Cheju (Jeju) usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Cheju (Jeju) gets 62 mm (2.4 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 JulyCheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Cheju (Jeju) or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cheju (Jeju) and Rotorua. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Cheju (Jeju) is generally cooler than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Cheju (Jeju) average around 13°C (56°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Cheju (Jeju) usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Cheju (Jeju) gets 97 mm (3.8 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 OctoberCheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Cheju (Jeju)
| Cheju (Jeju) | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 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.