Which place is cheaper, Rotorua or Tianjin?
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 Tianjin or Rotorua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tianjin 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: Tianjin or Rotorua?
Tianjin
Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.
Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.
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Tianjin Prices
China PricesRotorua Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTianjin $92Rotorua $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $92, 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 Tianjin and Rotorua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTianjin $35Rotorua $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTianjin $70Rotorua $96
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Rotorua
Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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.Tianjin $37Rotorua $4.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin
Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- [Airport Transfer] Tianjin Airport ⇔ Tianjin City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service <Charter charter>: $13
- Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
- Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
- Tianjin Private Transfer from Railway Station to Cruise Port: $80
- Tianjin Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Railway Station: $80
- Tianjin Private Round-Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Great Wall: $112
- Tianjin Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Pass and Eastern Qing Tombs: $132
- Tianjin International Cruise Port Private Transfer to City Hotels : $80
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Hotels in Beijing Downtown Shared Transfer: $95
- Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
- Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
- Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
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 Tianjin or Rotorua?
Prices for flights to both Rotorua and Tianjin 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 dayTianjin $36Rotorua $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.Tianjin $10Rotorua $34
Tours and Activities in Tianjin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.
- Private Tour to Uncover Tianjin’s Must-Visit Bucket-List Spots : $248
- 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
- 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
- 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
- All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
- All-inclusive Tianjin Day Tour to Qing Emperor's Tomb & Huangyaguan Great Wall : $278
- Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
- From Beijing: Tianjin Highlights Day Tour by High-Speed Rail: $289
- Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
- Private Great Wall Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $248
- Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
- Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
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: $181
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights Tour with Wai-O-Tapu & Hot Tubs: $204
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Te Puia Tour & Redwoods: $208
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights inc Wai O Tapu & Te Puia Tour: $225
- Auckland: Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia Tour, Show & Lunch: $228
- Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū : $162
- From Auckland: Rotorua Private Day Tour with Spa Experience: $585
- 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 dayTianjin $11Rotorua $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 Tianjin and Rotorua, we can see that Rotorua is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tianjin 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 Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Tianjin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tianjin Expensive? and Is Rotorua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Rotorua?
Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Rotorua. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Tianjin or Rotorua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Rotorua. Also, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Tianjin is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 27°C (80°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Tianjin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tianjin usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 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 JanuaryTianjin 27°C (80°F)Rotorua 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Rotorua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Rotorua. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tianjin is around the same temperature as Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Rotoruain April. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 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 AprilTianjin 15°C (58°F)Rotorua 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Rotorua in the Winter?
Both Rotorua and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.
The weather in Tianjin can be very cold. In the winter, Tianjin is much colder than Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tianjin in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.
In January, Tianjin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rotoruain July. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JulyTianjin -3°C (27°F)Rotorua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Tianjin or Rotorua in the Spring?
Both Rotorua and Tianjin during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rotorua for the natural beauty.
In April, Tianjin is generally cooler than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 14°C (58°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Rotoruain October. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 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 OctoberTianjin 14°C (58°F)Rotorua 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Rotorua and Tianjin
| Tianjin | Rotorua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -3°C (27°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (31°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (31°F) | 4 mm (0.2 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.