Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Kingston?
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 Kingston or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Kingston or Rotorua, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Kingston or Rotorua?
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
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 New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Kingston Prices
Jamaica PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKingston $123Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Kingston is $123, 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 Kingston and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKingston $62Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKingston $124Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Kingston and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Kingston 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: Kingston Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kingston $28Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Transfer for Kingston Airport to and from Hotels in Montego Bay: $173
- Runaway Bay Hotels Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $261
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport Across Jamaica: $49
- Private Transfers To/From Kingston & Airport (KIN) Across Jamaica: $24
- Private Transfer To & From New Kingston to Norman Manley Airport: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kingston International Airport (KIN): $34
- Private Arrivals or Departures Transfer: Norman Manley Airport to Kingston : $136
- Private Arrival Transfer: Kingston International Airport to Hotel: $53
- Port Antonio Hotel Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Kingston Airport(KIN): $235
- NMIA & Kingston transfer to Negril: $225
- Montego Bay: 5-Day Jamaica Tour with Meals and Transfers: $2,200
- Tropical Off-Road ATV Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $369
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 Kingston or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Kingston 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 dayKingston $44Rotorua $50
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.Kingston $12Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Ocho Rios: $232
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure in Ocho Rios : $62
- Bamboo Rafting and Boston Jerk Centre Tour in Portland Jamaica: $220
- Blue Mountain Tour: A Half-Day Escape from Kingston: $1,011
- Blue Mountains Coffee Private Tour from Kingston: $180
- Bob Marley Guided City Tour: $95
- Bob Marley Museum Entry Ticket: $30
- Bob Marley Museum Express Tour from Port Royal Cruise Port: $141
- Bob Marley Museum, Devon House and Downtown Kingston Tour: $134
- City Tour of Kingston Including Entry Fees: $105
- Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge Experience: $38
- Devon House City Tour Combo: $85
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKingston $11Rotorua $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$11
When comparing the travel costs between Kingston and Rotorua, we can see that Kingston 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 Kingston is in Caribbean Islands 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 Kingston Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kingston or Rotorua?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Kingston 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 Kingston or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kingston or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kingston as well as Rotorua. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Kingston is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
Kingston usually gets less rain in July than Rotoruain January. Kingston gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryKingston 29°C (83°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Kingston are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Kingston is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kingston in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Kingston. In October, Kingston usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Kingston gets 167 mm (6.6 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 AprilKingston 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Kingston during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Kingston is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Kingston average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Kingston usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Kingston gets 18 mm (0.7 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 JulyKingston 26°C (79°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Kingston or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kingston and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
Kingston is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Kingston averages around 26°C (80°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
In April, Kingston usually receives less rain than Rotoruain October. Kingston gets 27 mm (1.1 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 OctoberKingston 26°C (80°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Kingston
| Kingston | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.