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

Should you visit Aqaba or Christchurch?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Christchurch, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Christchurch?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $117. 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 Aqaba and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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 Aqaba


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
  • Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $144
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra : $90
  • Aqaba Border (Yitzhak Rabin Terminal) to Petra Private Transfer: $140
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $185
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
  • Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
  • Private Beach, Pools, Snorkeling & Boat Trip,Transfer: $66
  • Private Car Transfer with Wadi Rum Jeep Safari: $169

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Aqaba 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
    Aqaba $73
    Christchurch $53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

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

  • Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
  • Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $75
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $111
  • Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
  • 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
  • Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

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

  • Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
  • Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
  • Wadi Rum Jeep Tours - Full Day Jeep Tour: $24
  • Private Snorkeling Experience in Aqaba Red Sea: $27
  • 4 Hour Jeep Tour Wadi Rum Nature Desert morning or sunset: $30
  • Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • Wadi Rum 2-Hour Sunset Tour Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
  • Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
  • Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
  • Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    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:

  • Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Christchurch, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Aqaba or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Aqaba this time of the year. Aqaba is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Christchurchin January. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aqaba is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aqaba in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Christchurchin April. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In January, Aqaba is generally much warmer than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 14°C (57°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Christchurch in the Spring?

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

Aqaba is much warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin October. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Christchurchin October. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Aqaba

Aqaba Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)