Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Christchurch? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Cebu or Christchurch?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $65Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, 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 Cebu and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Cebu 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $190
- Cebu Airport Transfer within Mactan Island, Cebu or Mandaue City: $64
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Lapu-Lapu city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Departure Transfer from Mandaue city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Lapu-Lapu city: $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB) to Mandaue city: $40
- Cebu Private Transfer from Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB) to Cebu city: $40
- Cebu Seaport - Mactan Hotel (Any Hotel) - One Way Transfer: $22
- Cebu Whale Shark Snorkeling & Tumalog Falls w/ Meals and Transfer: $95
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
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 Cebu or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Cebu 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 dayCebu $21Christchurch $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
- Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Moalboal Sardines Run Private Tour: $20
- Cebu City Tour: Temple of Leah and many more: $36
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Cebu City: Cebu Heritage & Uphill Tour on Two Wheels: $40
- Cebu City Tour (Joiners Tour): $41
- Guided Heritage City Tour: $44
- Highlands Guided Tour w/ Hotel Pickup: $45
- Cebu Highlands Tour(Cebu Taoist, Temple of Leah and Sirao Garden): $46
- Land Tour | Bantayan Island - Sightseeing - Guided Tour: $46
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City with Sirao Garden Half Day Tour: $57
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cebu 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 Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Christchurch?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Cebu 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 Cebu or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cebu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cebu or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the summer, Cebu is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cebu in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryCebu 28°C (82°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Christchurch. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Cebu is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilCebu 28°C (82°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Cebu is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.
In January, Cebu usually receives more rain than Christchurchin July. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyCebu 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Cebu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Cebu is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cebu in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
Cebu usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberCebu 29°C (84°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Cebu
| Cebu | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°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.