A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Busan (Pusan) vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Busan (Pusan) 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: Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch?

Busan (Pusan)

An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.

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 Tours for Seniors to South Korea, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Busan (Pusan)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Busan (Pusan) is $86, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $95. 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 Busan (Pusan) and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Busan (Pusan) $39
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Busan (Pusan) $78
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Busan (Pusan) and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan)


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: Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):

  • Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $120
  • Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $119
  • Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $119
  • Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $84
  • Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $79
  • Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
  • Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Busan (Pusan) 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
    Busan (Pusan) $26
    Christchurch $31
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)

Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:


  • McDonald's
    $4.48
  • Carp Bread
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).

  • Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $49
  • Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
  • Busan Seafood Tour & Dinner with Busan Oppa: $105
  • Kkakdugi(Korean radish Kimchi) Cooking class at Busan : $110
  • Enjoy tailored Korean cooking class with Ocean view at Busan: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Busan (Pusan) $20
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:

  • Busan Running Man Themed Activity Experience Ticket (내국인불가): $8.00
  • Fun & Informative Busan in Korea Virtual Tour : $12
  • Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $13
  • The Way of Tea - Experience: $38
  • Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $41
  • Full-Day Busan City Tour: $51
  • Full day Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Tour from Busan: $60
  • Romantic Jinhae Cherry Blossom Night Tour - Depart from Busan: $65
  • Tour to Busan Highlights Hydrangea, Songdo and Gamcheon : $67
  • Old Korea Thousand History Tour of Gyeongju from Busan: $67
  • West Busan Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
  • Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68

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: $21
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
  • International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $62
  • Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
  • Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Busan (Pusan) $12
    Christchurch $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)

Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Busan Pub Crawl: $20

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: $100
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
  • Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532


When comparing the travel costs between Busan (Pusan) and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Busan (Pusan) is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch?

Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Busan (Pusan) has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Busan (Pusan) and Christchurch. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. Busan (Pusan) usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Busan (Pusan) gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Busan (Pusan) usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Busan (Pusan) gets 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Busan (Pusan) as well as Christchurch. Additionally, 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, Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Busan (Pusan) in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Busan (Pusan) this time of the year. In the autumn, Busan (Pusan) often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.

Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Busan (Pusan) gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Busan (Pusan) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In January, Busan (Pusan) is generally much colder than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Busan (Pusan) average around 3°C (38°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Busan (Pusan) gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Busan (Pusan) usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Busan (Pusan) gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Busan (Pusan) or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Busan (Pusan) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Busan (Pusan) is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Busan (Pusan) averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Busan (Pusan) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Busan (Pusan). Busan (Pusan) usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Busan (Pusan) gets 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Busan (Pusan)

Busan (Pusan) Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 224 mm (8.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 257 mm (10.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 204 mm (8 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)