Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Christchurch?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.
The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.
Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Christchurch $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $96. 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 Abu Dhabi and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Christchurch $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Christchurch $100
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Christchurch? 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Christchurch $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $100
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Central City Hotels: $18
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $30
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $32
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch International or Domestic Airport Transfer to City: $52
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $54
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Christchurch - Round-Trip Transfer: $64
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Abu Dhabi 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 dayAbu Dhabi $45Christchurch $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Christchurch $18
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
- Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park: $21
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission: $52
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $63
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $77
- Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $102
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $120
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Christchurch, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Christchurch 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Christchurch.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Christchurch?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Christchurch, 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 Abu Dhabi or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Christchurchin January. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Christchurch. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Christchurchin April. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin October. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Christchurchin October. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.