Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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: Xiamen or Rotorua?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $64Rotorua $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, 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 Xiamen and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $30Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $60Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $5.98Rotorua $5.01
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
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 Xiamen or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $26Rotorua $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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- Xiamen Private One Day Tailor Made Tour with Gulangyu and City Highlights : $176
- 1-Day Xiamen City Highlights and Gulangyu Island Private Tour: $244
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- Dongshan Island Highlights Full-Day Private Tour: $232
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
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:
- 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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Rotorua $12
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 Xiamen and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xiamen 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 Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Xiamen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Rotorua?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Xiamen or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Xiamen 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.
Xiamen is much warmer than Rotorua in the summer. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In July, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryXiamen 30°C (86°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Xiamen 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, Xiamen is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Xiamen in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.
Xiamen usually gets less rain in October than Rotoruain April. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilXiamen 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Xiamen is generally much colder than Rotoruain July. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 14°C (58°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In January, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyXiamen 14°C (58°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Rotorua. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.
Xiamen is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the spring. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 20°C (69°F) in April, and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Xiamen usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberXiamen 20°C (69°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (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.