A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria 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 Alexandria and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Christchurch?

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, 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 Alexandria and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.92
    Christchurch $50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Christchurch $100
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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.

Hotels in Alexandria


Hotels in Christchurch


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.46
    Christchurch $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $253
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $30
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $30
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $30

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Alexandria 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 day
    Alexandria $6.39
    Christchurch $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $50
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.46
    Christchurch $18

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alexandria Library Entry Tickets With Pickup and Drop Off: $3.80
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.26
  • Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.26
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.26
  • Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.26
  • Skip The Line Bibliotheca Alexandria Entry Ticket: $4.26
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70

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
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $26
  • 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: $110
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.33
    Christchurch $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: $107
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $110
  • 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 Alexandria and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Christchurch?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alexandria is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 26°C (79°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Christchurchin January. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Alexandria during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

Alexandria is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Christchurchin April. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Alexandria is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alexandria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.

In January, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Christchurch. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Alexandria is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 19°C (66°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Christchurchin October. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Alexandria

Alexandria Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)