Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Petra?
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 Petra 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 Petra and Rotorua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Rotorua?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, 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 Petra and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Petra and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $140
- Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
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 Petra or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Rotorua $50
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
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.Petra $47Rotorua $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- 2-Day Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Adventure Tour: $220
- 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
- 3-Hour Private Petra Tour: Exclusive Classical Guided Experience: $55
- 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- From Petra Wadi Rum Private 8 hours roundtrip tour : $140
- Hike Tour of Petra: $10
- Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour | Guide Sami Nawafleh: $225
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- Petra Secret Backdoor Tour: Hidden Gems & Exclusive Experience: $240
- Private Full Day Tour to Aqaba Red Sea from Petra Hotels: $200
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 dayPetra $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 Petra and Rotorua, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Petra during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
Petra usually gets less rain in July than Rotoruain January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 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 JanuaryPetra 33°C (91°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Furthermore, 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, Petra is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Rotoruain April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 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 AprilPetra 27°C (80°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Petra as well as Rotorua. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Petra is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Petra usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 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 JulyPetra 15°C (59°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Petra or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
Petra is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Rotoruain October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 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 OctoberPetra 25°C (76°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Petra
| Petra | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.