Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Surat Thani?
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 Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani 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: Surat Thani or Rotorua?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, 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 Surat Thani and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Rotorua $48
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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.Surat Thani $27Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
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 Surat Thani or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $28Rotorua $50
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
-
Dinner$4.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- A Walking Tour of Surat Thani's Most Beautiful and Historic Sites: $174
- Adventure trip in koh Phangan: $127
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $80
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- From Ko Pha Ngan: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Adventure: $81
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Ko Pha Ngan: Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan Snorkeling Adventure: $81
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Koh Samui: Surron Electric Dirt Bike Jungle Adventure 2H: $93
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: $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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Rotorua $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 Surat Thani and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 65900 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Rotorua?
Rotorua has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
In July, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Rotorua. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Surat Thani during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Surat Thani is generally a little warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.