Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Freeport?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Freeport 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 Freeport 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: Freeport or Rotorua?
Freeport
When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.
This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Bahamas, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
-
Freeport Prices
Bahamas PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFreeport $290Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $290, 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 Freeport and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFreeport $141Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFreeport $282Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Freeport 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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Rotorua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Freeport $59Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport
Also for Freeport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Round Trip Limousine Transfer : $150
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers Grand Lucayan Resort Freeport: $30
- Round-trip Airport Transfers to Castaway Resorts, Freeport: $30
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer Viva Club Fortuna Freeport: $30
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer Between Freeport Airport and Pelican Bay Resort : $30
- Private Transfer from Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport Port: $68
- Private Transfer from Freeport Port to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): $68
- Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $255
- Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $183
- Private One way Airport Transfer in Freeport : $180
- Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $78
- Luxury SUV Transfer from Airport, cruise port, Celebration Key : $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: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Freeport or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Freeport 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 dayFreeport $110Rotorua $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175
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
- Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner: $130
- 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Freeport $40Rotorua $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
10 Dive Package$299
-
4 Hr. Kayak Tour$70
-
1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Freeport
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.
- Jet Ski Tour: Explore the Bahamas Coastlines -90 minutes: $206
- Swim with the Pigs Freeport @Creative Eco Adventures: $72
- Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
- Clear Kayak Tour: $120
- CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
- Eleuthera Adventure: Swings, Pigs, and Reefs: $600
- Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $127
- Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $126
- Grand Bahama Culture, History & Local Flavors Tour: $280
- Junkanoo Adventure with Bahamian Cuisine Tasting: $850
- Go Kart Adventure Caves Pirates Beaches: $109
- Grand Bahama Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks: $89
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: $39
- Auckland: One-Way Tour to Rotorua with Waitomo Caves: $179
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $202
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $206
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $223
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $226
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $161
- Daytime Canyon Kayak Tour: $71
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $579
- From Rotorua WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half Day Tour: $80
- From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFreeport $30Rotorua $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:
- Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $85
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 Freeport and Rotorua, we can see that Freeport is more expensive. And not only is Rotorua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Freeport is in Caribbean Islands 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 Freeport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Freeport 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 Freeport Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Freeport or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Freeport. When comparing the sizes of Freeport 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.
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.