Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian 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: Dalian or Rotorua?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, 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 dayDalian $106Rotorua $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $106, 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 Dalian and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $56Rotorua $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $112Rotorua $102
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Dalian 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.Dalian $42Rotorua $5.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
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 Dalian or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Dalian 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 dayDalian $28Rotorua $31
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.Dalian $4.91Rotorua $36
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
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:
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $38
- Auckland: Rotorua Māori Cultural & Geothermal Tour & Lunch: $275
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $168
- From Auckland to Hobbiton and Te Puia Day Tour with Lunch: $341
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $174
- From WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half-Day Tour: $109
- From Wai O Tapu & Waimangu Eco Thermal Morning Tour: $88
- From Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Te Puia Full-Day Tour: $159
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $28
- Geothermal Lakeside Bathing Experience - Deluxe Lake Spa: $47
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Glow Worm Kayak Tour: $105
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.48Rotorua $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 comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Rotorua, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Dalian is in Asia and Rotorua is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dalian Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Rotorua?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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 Dalian 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 Dalian has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Dalian or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Rotorua. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Dalian is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Rotorua. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Dalian is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dalian in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Rotoruain April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In January, Dalian is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around -4°C (25°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In January, Dalian usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.
Dalian is much colder than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
Dalian usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Dalian
| Dalian | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.