Which place is cheaper, Boracay or Rotorua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Rotorua or Boracay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rotorua and Boracay 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: Rotorua or Boracay?
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.
Boracay
A small island in the Philippines known for its resorts and beaches, Boracay is a little escape. Each beach has its own unique character, each with new treasures waiting to be discovered.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Philippines.
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Rotorua Prices
New Zealand PricesBoracay Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRotorua $114Boracay $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Rotorua is $114, while the average daily cost in Boracay is $66. 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 Rotorua and Boracay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRotorua $48Boracay $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRotorua $96Boracay $46
Compare Hotels in Rotorua and Boracay
Looking for a hotel in Rotorua or Boracay? 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.Rotorua $4.99Boracay $28
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boracay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:
- Speedboat Caticlan to Boracay Transfer (Oneway): $81
- Private Transfer from Boracay Port to Boracay Island Hotel: $59
- Private Transfer from Boracay Island Hotels Boracay Cruise Port: $59
- PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TO BORACAY: $58
- Departure: Ferry boat Transfer Boracay to Caticlan Airport: $30
- Caticlan: Speedboat Airport Transfer to Boracay: $34
- Caticlan: Shared Airport Transfer From/To Boracay: $23
- Caticlan: 1-Way or Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Boracay: $27
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $53
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Arrival Private Transfer : $24
- Two-way Shared Transfer from/to Airport to Hotel: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Rotorua or Boracay?
Prices for flights to both Boracay and Rotorua 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 dayRotorua $50Boracay $25
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: $116
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rotorua $34Boracay $15
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:
- Mini Golf Experience: $12
- Jade Carving Experience at a Local Studio: $26
- Mountain Jade Highlights Tour: $27
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $28
- Geothermal Mineral Baths Experience: Pavilion Pools for 12+: $29
- Geothermal Adults Only Mineral Bathing - Pavilion Pools Bathing Ticket: $30
- Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour: $33
- Authentic Kiwi Farm Experience at the Agrodome: $34
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Entry Ticket: $38
- The National Kiwi Hatchery Kiwi Encounter Tour: $38
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley Ticket & Self-Guided Walk: $38
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $39
Tours and Activities in Boracay
Here are a few actual costs in Boracay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours Boracay Inland Private Tour in E-Trike: $125
- 2-Hour Boracay Land Tour via Etrike: $32
- Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $8.95
- Boracay ATV Tour and Kawa Hot Bath: $85
- Boracay Atv Mainland Adventure with lunch: $59
- Boracay Cliff Jumping & Snorkeling Experience (Private): $105
- Boracay E-trike Land Tour: $23
- Boracay Eco-Hopping Tour: $85
- Boracay Island Hopping Experience: $63
- Boracay Island Hopping Tour with Hot Kawa Bath Experience: $30
- Boracay Island Hopping with Lunch+ Atv Mainland Adventure: $57
- Boracay Island Hopping+ Helmet Diving (Shared Tour): $63
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRotorua $12Boracay $16
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 Rotorua and Boracay, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Boracay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotorua is in Pacific and Boracay is in Asia, 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 Boracay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boracay 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 Boracay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rotorua Expensive? and Is Boracay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rotorua or Boracay?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Boracay. When comparing the sizes of Rotorua and Boracay, 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.