Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Rotorua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Rotorua?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, 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 dayShenzhen $123Rotorua $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $123, 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 Shenzhen and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $89Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $178Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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.Shenzhen $15Rotorua $5.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
- Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen central to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX): $79
- Shenzhen Private Transfer from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport (SZX) to central Shenzhen: $79
- Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX): Private Transfer to/from Shenzhen: $48
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $105
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $133
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 Shenzhen or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $20Rotorua $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $160
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $160
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $161
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.Shenzhen $17Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
- 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- 60 Minutes Virtual Reality Experience in Hong Kong: $37
- A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
- Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $50
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 dayShenzhen $19Rotorua $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 Shenzhen and Rotorua, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenzhen 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 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Rotorua?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Shenzhen or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 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 JanuaryShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Shenzhen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 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 AprilShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Shenzhen is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In January, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 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 JulyShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Rotorua. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 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 OctoberShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.