Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Pai?
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 Pai or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pai and Rotorua. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Pai or Rotorua?
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Pai Prices
Thailand PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, 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 Pai and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Pai and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Pai 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: Pai Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Rotorua $4.99
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 Pai or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Pai 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 dayPai $42Rotorua $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.Pai $46Rotorua $34
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: $181
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $204
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $208
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $225
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $228
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $162
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $585
- 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 dayPai $15Rotorua $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 Pai and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Pai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pai 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 Pai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pai 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 Pai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pai Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pai or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Pai is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 29°C (85°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 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 JanuaryPai 29°C (85°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Pai or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Pai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
Pai is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 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 AprilPai 29°C (84°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Pai or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Pai is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pai in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Pai usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 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 JulyPai 24°C (74°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Pai or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Rotorua. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Rotorua in the spring for the natural beauty.
Pai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Pai is generally much warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 32°C (89°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Pai usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 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 OctoberPai 32°C (89°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Pai
| Pai | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.