A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nassau vs. Rotorua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nassau or Rotorua?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau 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: Nassau or Rotorua?

Nassau

There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.

As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.

Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.

Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Nassau?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $226, 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 Nassau and Rotorua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nassau $108
    Rotorua $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nassau $216
    Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Rotorua

Looking for a hotel in Nassau 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.

Hotels in Nassau


Hotels in Rotorua


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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nassau $32
    Rotorua $4.99
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $7.99
  • Taxi to Cable Beach
    $25
  • Taxi from Airport
    $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:

  • S U V Private Transfer, Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood ,Sandals , ATLANTIS : $170
  • Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
  • Round trip Airport Private Transfer (Nassau Limousine): $160
  • Round Trip Private Airport To Hotel Transfer in Nassau: $175
  • Private Transfer from Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Hotel or Cruise Port : $136
  • Private SUV One way Airport Transfer/Grocery & Liquor stop included : $200
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $190
  • Private Roundtrip Sedan Airport Transfer : $160
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer to Palm Cay: $200
  • Private Roundtrip Minivan Airport Transfer: $180
  • Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $200
  • Private One-Way Transfer from Lynden Airport to Bahamas: $45

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 Nassau or Rotorua?

Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Nassau 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 day
    Nassau $91
    Rotorua $50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.

  • Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
  • Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
  • Nassau Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise: $129
  • Dinner and Dancing: $130
  • Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
  • All Inclusive Sunset Dinner Cruise in Nassau Bahamas: $138
  • Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
  • Saturday Bahamian Cooking Class in Downtown Nassau: $149

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.
    Nassau $37
    Rotorua $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:


  • Jet Ski
    $50
  • 4 Hr Kayak Tour
    $70
  • 1/2 Day Snorkel Trip
    $75

Tours and Activities in Nassau

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Smart Eco Segway Adventure in Nassau: $99
  • 4-Island Tour Swimming Pigs, turtles, snorkeling , rose island, : $180
  • Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
  • Bahamas Funtastic Party Bus Tours: $99
  • Discover Nassau by Land and Sea Tour: $109
  • Fun Atv tour in Nassau with Lunch: Drivers must be 25 years old: $149
  • Group City Tour and Beach Experience from Cruise Port: $40
  • Sail & Snorkel Adventure with 1 Hr. Open Bar: $120
  • 3 Islands Boat Adventure: Swimming Pigs, Snorkeling And Turtles: $149
  • 3 V's Guided Scooter or ATV Tour in Nassau: $250
  • 3-Hour ATV Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $190
  • 3-Hour Buggy Tour of New Providence (Inclusive of water & local deserts): $250

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 day
    Nassau $19
    Rotorua $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:


  • Cocktail
    $6.49

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 Nassau and Rotorua, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau is in Caribbean Islands 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 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nassau or Rotorua?

Nassau has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Nassau 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 Nassau or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nassau experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Nassau or Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Nassau during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nassau is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nassau. Nassau usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Nassau 28°C (82°F) 
    Rotorua 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Rotorua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nassau is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

Nassau gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nassau usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Nassau 26°C (79°F) 
    Rotorua 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Rotorua. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Nassau is cooler than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nassau in January average around 21°C (70°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Nassau usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Nassau 21°C (70°F) 
    Rotorua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Nassau or Rotorua in the Spring?

Both Rotorua and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.

In April, Nassau is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 23°C (74°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Nassau 23°C (74°F) 
    Rotorua 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Nassau

Nassau Rotorua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 23°C (74°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 22°C (71°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)