Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Christchurch. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Beirut or Christchurch?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 dayBeirut $2.26Christchurch $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, 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 Beirut and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Christchurch $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Christchurch $100
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Christchurch $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Christchurch $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Christchurch $18
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Uncover Beirut's Divided Past: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Tour to Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche: $50
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
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
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Christchurch?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Beirut is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the summer, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin January. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets less rain in July than Christchurchin January. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryBeirut 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Beirut is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beirut in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.
In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Beirut usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilBeirut 25°C (77°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Christchurch. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Beirut is generally much warmer than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 13°C (55°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.
Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets more rain in January than Christchurchin July. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyBeirut 13°C (55°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Beirut is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberBeirut 17°C (63°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Beirut
| Beirut | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 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 | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.