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

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

Where Should I go: Brisbane or Christchurch?

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Christchurch or Brisbane?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $114, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $83. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Brisbane and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brisbane $71
    Christchurch $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brisbane $142
    Christchurch $86
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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 Brisbane


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brisbane $15
    Christchurch $13
Typical Local Transportation prices in Brisbane

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


  • Airtrain to the City
    $11
  • Go Card
    $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 8-Day Authentic Outback Adventure Tour of Cunnamulla Including Round-Trip Air Transfer from Brisbane: $3,043
  • Brisbane Airport Arrival Shuttle Transfer to Toowoomba (transit stops): $63
  • Brisbane Airport Arrival Shuttle Transfer to the Sunshine Coast Hotels/addresses: $41
  • Brisbane Airport Arrival transfer to Gold Coast shared shuttle: $43
  • Brisbane Airport Private Transfer to or from Brisbane CBD Maxmium 10 Person: $29
  • Brisbane Airport Private Transfer to or from Brisbane CBD Maxmium 10 Person: $33
  • Brisbane Airport Shuttle Transfer to Toowoomba (Transit Stops) Round trip: $102
  • Brisbane Airport Transfers : Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Business Car: $84
  • Brisbane Airport Transfers : Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Car: $131
  • Brisbane Airport Transfers : Brisbane to Brisbane Airport BNE in Luxury Van: $112
  • Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City Round-trip Shuttle Transfer: $32
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private & Exclusive One-Way Transfer Christchurch to Queenstown: $1,264
  • Christchurch to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier One-Way Transfer: $1,185
  • Private Transfer: Christchurch to Mount Cook: $790
  • Christchurch To Lake Tekapo One-way Transfer: $672
  • Christchurch to Akaroa transfer up to 4 people: $186
  • Christchurch to Methven Private Transfer(Or Methven to Christchurch): $163
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $121
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $121
  • Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Hotel / Residence to Airport (11 Pax): $120
  • Private Minibus Airport Transfer - Pickup Airport to Hotel / Residence (11 Pax): $120
  • VIP Range Rover Christchurch Airport Transfer to or from Central Christchurch: $108
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Brisbane 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
    Brisbane $27
    Christchurch $27
Typical Food prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.68
  • Cup of Coffee
    $2.13
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.88
  • Ice cream
    $3.91
  • Japanese Meal
    $15
  • Smoothie
    $4.62
  • Japanese Soup
    $8.17
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.97
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.49
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.95
  • Bread
    $1.85

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Food Tour with Coffee and Wine Tastings: $184
  • Brisbane Food Tour: A Taste of Queensland: $202
  • 3-Course Progressive Dinner Experience in Brisbane: $237
  • Queensland Food Tour: Farm-to-Table Indulgence: $375

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Christchurch

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

  • Tramway Restaurant 4 Course Dinner Service through Christchurch: $92
  • Willowbank Kiwi Tour and Maori Concert Including Hangi Dinner from Christchurch: $174

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brisbane $21
    Christchurch $15
Typical Entertainment prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $14

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • Newstead House General Entry Ticket: $9.48
  • Green Cabs Brisbane Tours: $16
  • Midday River Sightseeing Cruise: $24
  • True Crime Tour: $25
  • Brisbane Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $35
  • Guided River Kayak Tour: $47
  • River Cruise with Lunch: $50
  • Express Segway Tour of Brisbane: $50
  • Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit: $61
  • Byron Bay Day Tour: $78
  • Brisbane to Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass: $86
  • Wine & Food Pairing Experience: $87

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • 1 day private tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt.Cook: $322
  • 1-Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic on Banks Peninsula: $138
  • 10 Day Adrenalin Tour. Skydiving, Bungy, Rafting, Climbing, Heli MTB & more.: $4,219
  • 10 Day Adventure Tour. Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Jet Boating & more.: $4,219
  • 2 days tour from Christchurch to Queenstown: $595
  • 2 hour Christchurch City Tour with scenic Chairlift ride: $99
  • 3 Day Christchurch and Akaroa Exclusive Private Tour: $2,026
  • 3 hour Christchurch City Tour with Ziplining at Christchurch Adventure Park: $237
  • 3-Day Christchurch City Break Tour For Locals: $337
  • 3-Day Christchurch and Akaroa Arrival Tour with Harbor Cruise: $668
  • 3-Day South Island Circle Tour from Christchurch: $1,158
  • 4 Day Kaikoura and Pancake Rocks Private Tour: $3,317

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brisbane $44
    Christchurch $9.74
Typical Alcohol prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $11
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.95
  • Guiness Beer
    $6.04
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.23

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • Deluxe Wine Tasting Tour Mt Tamborine Includes 2 course Lunch: $94
  • Morning or Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $111
  • Mt Tamborine Wine Tour: $119
  • Brisbane Half-Day Private Brewery Tour: $119
  • Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $119
  • Northern Rivers food & Wine Tour from Brisbane: $119
  • Two Day xxxx Brewery and Tamborine Winery Tour: $198
  • Private Full Day Wine Tour from Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain: $474

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • A Waipara Wine Experience with Giles Tours, includes wine tastings and lunch: $95
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $100
  • Akaroa Eco-Safari with Alpaca Farm Tour and Wine Tasting: $103
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Penguins Safari and Wine Tasting: $114
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $115
  • Full-day Akaroa Tour with Dolphin Cruise & Wine Tasting: $133
  • Private Waipara Valley Wine Tasting Tour with optional Gourmet Lunch: $190
  • Hanmer Springs Private Day Tour Including Hot Pool & Wine Tasting: $356

About these numbers

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


When is the best time to visit Brisbane or Christchurch?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Brisbane or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Christchurch.

In January, Brisbane is generally a little warmer than Christchurch. Temperatures in Brisbane average around 25°C (77°F), and Christchurch stays around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the summer, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Brisbane usually gets more rain in January than Christchurch. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Brisbane is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The temperature in Brisbane is usually 22°C (71°F) in April, and Christchurch stays around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In April, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Brisbane during the winter are popular places to visit.

In the winter, Brisbane is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brisbane in July are around 15°C (59°F), and Christchurch is about 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the winter, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Christchurch. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Christchurch.

In October, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Christchurch. Temperatures in Brisbane average around 21°C (69°F), and Christchurch stays around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Brisbane

Brisbane Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)


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