Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Yichang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yichang or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Yichang 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: Yichang or Rotorua?
Yichang
Yichang, China is an ancient city situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in central China. The city is located just below the famed Three Gorges Dam and is a popular ending point for many Yangtze River cruises. Yichang offers beautiful natural scenery and ancient relics from the Three Kingdom Period.
Yichang experiences cool, rainy, winters and hot, humid, summers. Temperatures tend to stay in the 40's Fahrenheit during winter and the 80's in the summer. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are fantastic times to visit, although if you prefer to beat the heat, stay away during late summer!
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYichang $58Rotorua $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Yichang 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 Yichang and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYichang $24Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYichang $48Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Yichang and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Yichang 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.Yichang $14Rotorua $5.01
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 Yichang or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Yichang 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 dayYichang $21Rotorua $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.Yichang $18Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Yichang
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Yichang are as follows:
- From Yichang to Chongqing: 5-Day Cruise with Meals: $761
- Private Day Tour in Yichang to Sanyou Cave and Sanxia Waterfall : $239
- Private Tour: Essence of Yichang Day Tour: $165
- Yichang Tourist Center to Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH): $53
- Yichang hotel/Sanxia Tourist Center/Maoping pier to Zhangjiajie: $290
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:
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $21
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $21
- Government Gardens Walking Tour: $23
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $27
- Agrodome Farm Tour with Show and Produce Tasting: $29
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $30
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Tour: $35
- National Kiwi Hatchery - Kiwi Encounter Tour: $37
- Velocity Valley Ticket: $39
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYichang $14Rotorua $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 Yichang and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Yichang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yichang 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 Yichang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yichang 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 Yichang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yichang Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yichang or Rotorua?
Yichang has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Yichang 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 Yichang 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 Yichang has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Yichang or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Yichang during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Yichang is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Yichang average around 29°C (85°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yichang. Yichang usually gets more rain in July than Rotoruain January. Yichang gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryYichang 29°C (85°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Yichang or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yichang and Rotorua. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Yichang is a little warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yichang averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
In October, Yichang usually receives more rain than Rotoruain April. Yichang gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilYichang 20°C (67°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Yichang or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Yichang as well as Rotorua. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Yichang is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yichang in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
Yichang usually gets more rain in January than Rotoruain July. Yichang gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyYichang 6°C (43°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Yichang or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Yichang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the natural beauty.
In April, Yichang is generally around the same temperature as Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Yichang average around 18°C (65°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Yichang usually receives more rain than Rotoruain October. Yichang gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberYichang 18°C (65°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Yichang
| Yichang | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 8°C (46°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (65°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 229 mm (9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (67°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.