Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Nadi (Port Denarau)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nadi (Port Denarau) or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nadi (Port Denarau) 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: Nadi (Port Denarau) or Rotorua?
Nadi (Port Denarau)
Nadi, pronounced "Nandi", is a city and transportation hub in the Fijian islands. It is on one of the main islands, Viti Levu, and has a population of about 42,000. Many inhabitants are Indian as well as Fijian, and the largest temple in the Southern hemisphere is located in the city center. It must be noted that Nadi and surrounding areas aren't known for the beaches. This is more of a cultural destination or starting point for your trip to Fiji. For the best beaches, you will want to venture out to the other, smaller, islands.
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 Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNadi (Port Denarau) $164Rotorua $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Nadi (Port Denarau) is $164, 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNadi (Port Denarau) $103Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNadi (Port Denarau) $206Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Nadi (Port Denarau) and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Nadi (Port Denarau) 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: Nadi (Port Denarau) Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nadi (Port Denarau) $8.74Rotorua $5.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nadi (Port Denarau):
- Zip line Fiji ex Fiji Marriot w/private transfer dropoff Nadi Airport or resort : $169
- Treetops Zipline Tour with Drop off Transfer to Nadi Airport: $128
- Shuttle transfer to Nadi Airport : $49
- Shared Transfer To Nadi Airport from Denarau Resorts: $9.01
- Shared Shuttle Departure Transfers - Denarau,Wailoaloa & Nadi to Nadi Airport: $11
- Roundtrip Transfer Nadi Int Airport -Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay(CFC APPROVED): $57
- Round-trip Nadi Int Airport - Denarau Hotels (Private Transfer): $27
- Round-Trip Transfer -Nadi Airport - Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay: $54
- Round trip Transfer Airport to Coral Coast /Denarau Hotels : $55
- Round Trip Transfer -Nadi Airport to Intercontinental Resort : $61
- Round Trip Private Transfer From Nadi Airport To Your Resort : $21
- Private Transfers Nadi Airport-Outrigger Resorts/Crow's Nest Resort/ Bedarra Inn: $83
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 Nadi (Port Denarau) or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Nadi (Port Denarau) 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 dayNadi (Port Denarau) $39Rotorua $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nadi (Port Denarau).
- Robinson Crusoe Sunset Cruise Including Dinner, Cultural Show & Transfers: $121
- Super Saver Combo: Tivua Island Day Cruise + Sunset Dinner Cruise in Fiji: $184
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nadi (Port Denarau) $32Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Nadi (Port Denarau)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nadi (Port Denarau) are as follows:
- ''Coral Coast Adventure: Biausevu Waterfall & Natadola Beach !'': $144
- "Coral Coast Cultural Tour: Pottery, Kava, Meke, Dunes & Temple'': $105
- 16 Lines Zipline, Cave and Mud Spa Combo Tour with Lunch in Fiji: $164
- 6 Hours Giant Zipline Adventure Park in Fiji: $90
- Authentic Fijian Day Tour: $83
- Barefoot Kuata Day Cruise from Denarau: $130
- Biausevu Waterfall Tour (Sigatoka) : $100
- Biausevu Waterfall with New Dawn Tours Fiji: $82
- CFC Hot Spring Mud Pool,Garden Of Sleeping Giant And Village Visit Half Day Tour: $104
- Colo-i-Suva Waterfall Tour (Suva): $99
- Coral Coast Heritage Tour: $157
- Coral Coast Sightseeing & Pottery Village Tour: $80
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:
- 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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNadi (Port Denarau) $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nadi (Port Denarau) and Rotorua, we can see that Nadi (Port Denarau) is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rotorua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rotorua 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 Nadi (Port Denarau) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nadi (Port Denarau) than you might in Rotorua.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nadi (Port Denarau) Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nadi (Port Denarau) or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Nadi (Port Denarau). When comparing the sizes of Nadi (Port Denarau) 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.
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.