Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Arusha?
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 Arusha or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Arusha and Christchurch 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: Arusha or Christchurch?
Arusha
Arusha is a city in East Africa's Tanzania, located at the base of volcanic Mt. Meru. It’s a gateway to safari destinations and to Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, lying some 100 kilometers northeast. To the west lies Serengeti National Park, home to wildlife including lions, rhinoceros, giraffes and leopards. Annual migrations feature huge herds of wildebeests crossing its plains. Arusha is Tanzania’s gateway to the northern circuit of stellar national parks and the starting point of many a memorable safari. It’s also a large, sprawling city which offers a nice break from the rigors of life on the African road – it has excellent places to stay and eat and, for the most part, it’s lush and green and enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. Arusha is a great destination, and you're sure to enjoy your time here, no matter what your interests are.
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 G Adventures Tours to Tanzania, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
-
Arusha Prices
Tanzania PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayArusha $189Christchurch $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Arusha is $189, while the average daily cost in Christchurch 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 Arusha and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personArusha $126Christchurch $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomArusha $252Christchurch $94
Compare Hotels in Arusha and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Arusha 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: Arusha Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Arusha $13Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arusha
Also for Arusha, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arusha Airport and Hotel Transfer: $35
- Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Private Transfer: $59
- Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha City Private Transfer: $120
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha City Center Transfer: $60
- Moshi - Arusha Transfer: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $183
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Luxury Van: $115
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $97
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch International Airport To/From City Center Transfer: $30
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $47
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $110
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $133
- Christchurch Airport Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: $50
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- Airport Transfer in Christchurch Luxury Chauffeur Experience: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Arusha or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Arusha 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 dayArusha $40Christchurch $51
Typical Food Prices in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
A Quick Lunch (for 2)$2.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arusha
For Arusha, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- NGO Lifted Strong - Traditional Tanzanian Cooking Class: $50
- Local Tanzanian Food Cooking Class by Kingstone Asilia (Arusha): $55
- Homestay + Cooking + Animal Care + Fruit Harvesting + Much More: $194
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Arusha $44Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Arusha
For Arusha, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Arusha Guided Tour: Culture, History, Markets & Hidden Gems: $17
- Guided Arusha town tour with market visit,shopping, and city walk: $17
- Arusha Guided City Tour &Hotel Pickup (History, Culture &Market: $21
- Arusha City Tour: Where Continents Collide & Cultures Dance: $30
- Arusha Town Tour: $30
- Street Food and Community Walking Tour: $30
- Private Local Market Tour in Tengeru: $35
- Mountain Bike Tour of the Foothills of Mount Meru: $40
- 4 Hours Cycling Tour in Shimo La Mungu Crater: $50
- Coffee tour and Buffet Lunch with Kingstone Asilia (Arusha): $55
- Arusha Nightlife Tour: $60
- Arusha A Walking City Tour Museum Culture and Everyday Life: $60
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $236
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $236
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-Day Godley Head Walking Tour (Private Shore Excursion): $251
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Small Group Tour): $188
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $153
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton: $117
- Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return: $156
- Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch with Giants House: $148
- Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch with Scenic Harbour Views: $177
- Akaroa Full Day Private Tour From Christchurch: $159
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayArusha $10Christchurch $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: $112
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Christchurch City & Waipara Valley Wine Tour: $176
- Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $224
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arusha and Christchurch, we can see that Arusha is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Arusha 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 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 Arusha would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arusha 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 Arusha Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Arusha or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Arusha. When comparing the sizes of Arusha 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.
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.