Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Bagan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bagan 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 Bagan and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bagan or Christchurch?
Bagan
Located in central Myanmar (formerly Burma), Bagan is an ancient city best known as the home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins in the world with many dating from the 11th and 12th centuries.
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 New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBagan $19Christchurch $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Bagan is $19, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $102. 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 Bagan and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBagan $4.76Christchurch $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBagan $9.52Christchurch $104
Compare Hotels in Bagan and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Bagan 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: Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bagan $2.31Christchurch $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bagan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bagan:
- From Bagan City To Mandalay Private Transfer: $150
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bagan Nyaung-U Airport (NYU): $14
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: $67
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $133
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $109
- Christchurch Airport to City Transfer : $53
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $32
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $60
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $93
- Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $75
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $55
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $39
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Bagan or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Bagan 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 dayBagan $3.85Christchurch $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bagan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bagan.
- Romantic Sunset Dinner At Bagan Viewing Tower: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bagan $37Christchurch $19
Tours and Activities in Bagan
Here are a few actual costs in Bagan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Cruise Bagan to Mandalay: $31
- Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour: $43
- Private Bagan Cultural Tour : $46
- Visiting Mount Popa from Bagan - Private Tour: $48
- Private Day Tour to Mt Popa: $48
- Full Day tour In Bagan UNESCO World Heritage: $50
- Full day Adventure Trip to Mt. Popa & Salay: $65
- Tuk Tuk tour to Mt. Popa : $67
- Private Bagan day tour by car with horse cart: $70
- Private Day Adventure Trip in Bagan : $71
- Full day Adventure Trip in Bagan with Tuk Tuk : $72
- Half Day Sightseeing With Royal Horse: $76
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: $22
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $26
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $40
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $42
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $47
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $49
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission: $56
- Cruise Ship Day Christchurch Hop On Hop Off Tour: $62
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $70
- Christchurch Sightseeing Pass: $71
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $84
- Christchurch City Top Spots Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour): $111
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBagan -Christchurch $12
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: $104
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $109
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $123
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $137
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $551
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bagan and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Bagan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bagan is in Asia 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 Bagan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bagan 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 Bagan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bagan Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bagan or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 1210 times larger than the population of Bagan. When comparing the sizes of Bagan 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.