Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Guilin?
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 Guilin or Rotorua?
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 Guilin and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Rotorua?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
-
Guilin Prices
China PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $84Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, 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 Guilin and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $35Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $70Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Guilin 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guilin $5.85Rotorua $4.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
-
Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
- Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41
- Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
- Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
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 Guilin or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $39Rotorua $50
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
-
Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
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.Guilin $28Rotorua $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
- 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
- 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
- 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
- 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $72
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
- 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
- 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $172
- 1 Day Relaxing Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Private Tour: $205
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 dayGuilin $5.81Rotorua $12
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 Guilin and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guilin 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 Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Rotorua?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Guilin 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 Guilin 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 Guilin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Guilin or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Guilin is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryGuilin 30°C (86°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Guilin is a little warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
In October, Guilin usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilGuilin 23°C (73°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Guilin during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Guilin is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyGuilin 10°C (49°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Rotorua. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In April, Guilin is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberGuilin 20°C (68°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Guilin
| Guilin | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.