Which place is cheaper, Akureyri or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Akureyri?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Akureyri? 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: Christchurch or Akureyri?
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.
Akureyri
Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesAkureyri Prices
Iceland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Akureyri $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Akureyri is $191. 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 Christchurch and Akureyri in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Akureyri $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Akureyri $206
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Akureyri
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Akureyri? 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 and Akureyri Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Akureyri $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:
- Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $29
- Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
- From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $126
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Akureyri?
Prices for flights to both Akureyri and Christchurch 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 dayChristchurch $53Akureyri $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Akureyri $18
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
- Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
- Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
Tours and Activities in Akureyri
Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Icelandic Aviation Museum Admission Ticket: $15
- War and Peace Museum - Tour: $24
- Godafoss Waterfall Short Day Tour from Akureyri: $65
- Snowshoeing Experience and Storytelling in Héðinsfjörður: $78
- Forest Lagoon Admission Ticket with Towel and One Drink included: $78
- Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour: $79
- Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $82
- Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall: $82
- Zipline Tour: $95
- Zipline Adventure Through Glerárgil River Canyon in Akureyri Town: $95
- Húsavík Whale Watching Tour, family owned and operated : $98
- Whale Watching and Sea Angling Tour : $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Akureyri $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Akureyri, we can see that Akureyri is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Akureyri is in Europe, 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 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 Akureyri would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Akureyri than you might in Christchurch.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Akureyri Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Akureyri?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Akureyri. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Akureyri, 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 Christchurch or Akureyri?
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 Akureyri has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Christchurch or Akureyri in the Summer?
Both Akureyri and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Akureyriin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 158 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Akureyriin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Akureyri 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Akureyri in the Autumn?
Both Akureyri and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Akureyri can be very cold during autumn. Christchurch is much warmer than Akureyri in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Akureyri fluctuates around 3°C (38°F)in October.
In the autumn, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Akureyriin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 52 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Akureyriin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Akureyri 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Akureyri in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Akureyri. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Akureyri can be very cold. In the winter, Christchurch is much warmer than Akureyri. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Akureyri averages at about -2°C (28°F)in January.
Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Akureyri during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Akureyri receives 7 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Akureyriin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Akureyri -2°C (28°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Akureyri in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Akureyri. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
It's quite cold in Akureyri in the spring. In October, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Akureyriin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Akureyri fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Akureyriin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Akureyri receives 130 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Akureyriin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Akureyri receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Akureyri 2°C (36°F)
Typical Weather for Akureyri and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Akureyri | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -2°C (29°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.