Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao 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: Qingdao or Rotorua?
Qingdao
Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.
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 Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Rotorua $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, 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 Qingdao and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao 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: Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Rotorua $5.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
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 Qingdao or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Qingdao 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 dayQingdao $20Rotorua $29
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.Qingdao $20Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Private Qingdao City tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $190
- Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
- Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
- Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
- Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
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: $30
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $157
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $154
- From Wai O Tapu & Waimangu Eco Thermal Morning Tour: $86
- From Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Te Puia Full-Day Tour: $193
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Hells Gate Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa Experience: $50
- Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton: $156
- Kaituna River: 3.5-Hour White Water Sledging Experience: $77
- Kaituna River: Whitewater Rafting Experience: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Rotorua $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 Qingdao and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Qingdao 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 Qingdao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Qingdao 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 Qingdao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Qingdao Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Rotorua?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao 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 Qingdao or Rotorua?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rotorua is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Qingdao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Qingdao or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Qingdao is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Qingdao. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Qingdao 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 JanuaryQingdao 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Qingdao during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Qingdao is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
Qingdao usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 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 AprilQingdao 17°C (62°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Rotorua. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Qingdao can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Qingdao is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In January, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 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 JulyQingdao -0°C (32°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Rotorua. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
Qingdao is much colder than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
Qingdao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Rotoruain October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 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 OctoberQingdao 12°C (53°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.