Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Harbin 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 Harbin and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Rotorua?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Harbin Prices
China PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $66Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $66, 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 Harbin and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Harbin 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.Harbin $1.52Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $198
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin North Railway Station from Harbin City: $100
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service : $148
- Harbin Catholic Church Car Transfer Service: $80
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
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 Harbin or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Harbin 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 dayHarbin $24Rotorua $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $80
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $53Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Igloos Hot Pot Private Tour: $300
- Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice Festival: $261
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- All-Inclusive Harbin City History and Local Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- Half-Day Private Old Harbin Street Walking Tour with Meal: $300
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
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$27
Tours and Activities in Rotorua
For Rotorua, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves: $179
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $202
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $206
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $223
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $226
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $162
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $579
- From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $177
- From WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half-Day Tour: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.96Rotorua $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $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$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Harbin 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 Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Rotorua?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Harbin 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 Harbin 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 Harbin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Harbin or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Harbin is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Harbin in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Harbin. In July, Harbin usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 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 JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Harbin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Harbin is generally much colder than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around 7°C (44°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Harbin usually gets less rain in October than Rotoruain April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 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 AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Rotorua. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Harbin can be very cold during winter. Harbin is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around -18°C (-0°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Harbin usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Rotorua. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In the spring, Harbin is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Harbin in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
Harbin usually gets less rain in April than Rotoruain October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 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 OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Harbin
| Harbin | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 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.