Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Shenyang?
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 Shenyang or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Shenyang or Rotorua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Shenyang or Rotorua?
Shenyang
Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!
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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Shenyang Prices
China PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenyang $85Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenyang is $85, 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 Shenyang and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenyang $41Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenyang $82Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Shenyang and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Shenyang 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenyang $20Rotorua $4.99
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: $186
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenyang or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Shenyang 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 dayShenyang $32Rotorua $50
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
- 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.Shenyang $7.81Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Shenyang
For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350
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:
- 4x4 Self Drive Yamaha Experience : $90
- Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua: $35
- 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 : $162
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $579
- From HELL's GATE Geothermal MUD BATH Half Day Tour: $159
- From Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with Festive Lunch: $177
- From WAI-O-TAPU Geothermal Wonderland Half-Day Tour: $103
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenyang $5.91Rotorua $12
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 Shenyang and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenyang 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 Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Shenyang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenyang Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Rotorua?
Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang 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 Shenyang 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 Shenyang has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Shenyang or Rotorua in the Summer?
Both Rotorua and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Shenyang is much warmer than Rotorua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenyang in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 12°C (54°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Shenyang. In July, Shenyang usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryShenyang 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Rotorua in the Autumn?
Both Rotorua and Shenyang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Shenyang is generally much colder than Rotoruain April. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around 10°C (51°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Shenyang usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Rotoruain April. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilShenyang 10°C (51°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Rotorua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Rotorua. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. Shenyang is much colder than Rotorua in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around -11°C (13°F) in January, and Rotorua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Shenyang usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyShenyang -11°C (13°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Rotorua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Rotorua. Additionally, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Shenyang is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenyang in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Rotorua averages at about 19°C (66°F)in October.
Shenyang usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberShenyang 10°C (50°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Shenyang
| Shenyang | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.