A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kao-hsiung vs. Taupo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kao-hsiung or Taupo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kao-hsiung and Taupo 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: Kao-hsiung or Taupo?

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

Taupo

Taupo is a town located in the center of the North Island, situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, which is New Zealand's largest lake. It is also the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. It has a population of 23,700 people and is visited by many people interested in fishing, boating, and other water activities. There are many hiking and biking trails that take you around the water as well.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Taupo or Kao-hsiung?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kao-hsiung is $134, while the average daily cost in Taupo is $128. 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 Kao-hsiung and Taupo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kao-hsiung $60
    Taupo $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kao-hsiung $120
    Taupo $124
Compare Hotels in Kao-hsiung and Taupo

Looking for a hotel in Kao-hsiung or Taupo? 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.

Hotels in Kao-hsiung


Hotels in Taupo


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: Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices and Taupo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $12
    Taupo $25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
  • Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taupo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Taupo:

  • Tongariro Crossing : 2 Day PRIVATE TRANSFER Leaving AUCKLAND: $1,101

Is it cheaper to fly into Kao-hsiung or Taupo?

Prices for flights to both Taupo and Kao-hsiung 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 day
    Kao-hsiung $59
    Taupo $41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.

  • Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kao-hsiung $22
    Taupo $34

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • Suzuka Circuit Park Ticket in Kaohsiung: $33
  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Kenting and Pingtung One Day Tour with Departure from Kaohsiung: $52
  • Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
  • Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
  • Tainan Day Tour –Qigu Salt Mountain, Chikan Tower & Anping Castle: $100
  • Private Tour Shore Excursion in Kaohsiung City: $199
  • 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200

Typical Entertainment Prices in Taupo

Here are a few typical costs in Taupo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Bungy Jumping
    $151
  • Jet Boating
    $56

Tours and Activities in Taupo

Here are a few actual costs in Taupo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvelous Circus: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Candy Cottage: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge: $22
  • Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave Entry Ticket: $28
  • Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp: $30
  • Self-Guided Geothermal Tour in Orakei Korako: $30
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Lake 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise: $34
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit: $35
  • Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kao-hsiung $11
    Taupo $13

Typical Alcohol Prices in Taupo

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Taupo from other travelers:


  • Wine
    $5.03


When comparing the travel costs between Kao-hsiung and Taupo, we can see that Kao-hsiung is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Kao-hsiung is in Asia and Taupo is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kao-hsiung Expensive? and Is Taupo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kao-hsiung or Taupo?

Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Kao-hsiung and Taupo, 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.