Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Manila?
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 Manila 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 Manila and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Rotorua?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
-
Manila Prices
Philippines PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, 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 Manila and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Manila and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Manila 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
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 Manila or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Manila 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 dayManila $31Rotorua $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $68
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
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.Manila $19Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $265
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $82
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $365
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,305
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $73
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
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 dayManila $9.90Rotorua $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 comparing the travel costs between Manila and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua 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 Manila 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 Manila Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Rotorua?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manila or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Manila during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Manila is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Manila or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Manila is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Manila or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Manila as well as Rotorua. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Manila usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Manila or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
Manila is much warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Rotoruain October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Manila
| Manila | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (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.