Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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: Hangzhou or Rotorua?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Rotorua $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Rotorua is $93. 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 Hangzhou and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.Hangzhou $8.11Rotorua $5.01
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $55
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119
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: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $18Rotorua $29
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.35
-
Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
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: $92
- Te Pa Tu Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner: $154
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
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:
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $21
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $21
- Government Gardens Walking Tour: $23
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
- Agrodome Farm Tour with Show and Produce Tasting: $29
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour: $35
- National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Tour: $37
- Velocity Valley Ticket: $39
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Rotorua $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 Hangzhou and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Rotorua?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Hangzhou or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Rotorua. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hangzhou is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Hangzhou 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.
In October, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In October, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. Hangzhou is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Hangzhou is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 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.