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

Should you visit Christchurch or Antigua Guatemala?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Antigua Guatemala? 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 Antigua Guatemala?

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.

Antigua Guatemala

Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Antigua Guatemala or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $114, while the average daily cost in Antigua Guatemala is $74. 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 Antigua Guatemala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $47
    Antigua Guatemala $22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $94
    Antigua Guatemala $44
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Antigua Guatemala

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Antigua Guatemala? 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 Christchurch


Hotels in Antigua Guatemala


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 Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $14
    Antigua Guatemala $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Departure Transfer: Central Christchurch to Christchurch Airport: $291
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $183
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $183
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $133
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Luxury Van: $115
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $110
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $84
  • Airport Transfer in Christchurch Luxury Chauffeur Experience: $70
  • Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Christchurch by SUV: $67
  • Christchurch Airport Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: $49
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
  • One-Way Shared Van Transfer to Panajachel: $25
  • Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $69
  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Guatemala City: $24
  • Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
  • Antigua: Private Transfer to Guatemala City Airport: $30
  • From Antigua Guatemala One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $34
  • From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
  • From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
  • From Panajachel: One Way Shared Transfers to Antigua: $25
  • Guatemala City Airport: Private Transfer to Antigua: $30
  • Panajachel: One way shared transfer to Antigua: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Antigua Guatemala?

Prices for flights to both Antigua Guatemala 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Christchurch $51
    Antigua Guatemala $25

Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala

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


  • Lunch
    $3.28
  • Lunch
    $7.87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
  • Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
  • Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
  • Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
  • Cooking class and market tour/Pepian Workshop: $50
  • Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
  • Antigua Street Food Tour: $65
  • Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
  • Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
  • Guatemalan Mayan Cooking Workshop: $75
  • Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $17
    Antigua Guatemala $15

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $232
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
  • (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $232
  • 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
  • 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Small Group Tour): $186
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $151
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton: $116
  • Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return: $154
  • Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch with Giants House: $145
  • Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch with Scenic Harbour Views: $175
  • Akaroa Full Day Private Tour From Christchurch: $157
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $157

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • Signature Lattes Tasting Experience in Antigua for Coffee Lovers: $13
  • Historical and Cultural Walking Tour of Antigua Guatemala: $20
  • Half-Day Walking Tour: $20
  • Guided City Tour with Chef David Farfan: $20
  • Cultural and Fun Walking Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $22
  • Walking Tour with Local Guide: $23
  • From Antigua: Pacaya Volcano Tour in English/Spanish: $23
  • Antigua Walking Tour: $24
  • Guided Walking Tour with Coffee: $24
  • Colonial Antigua Afternoon Walking Tour: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour Legends of Antigua Guatemala: $25
  • La Antigua Myths and Legends Stories Night Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Antigua Guatemala $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

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

  • Christchurch Guided Walking Tour with optional Wine Tasting: $20
  • Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $111
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour: $137
  • Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $220

Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala

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

  • Antigua Bar Crawl: $26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Antigua Guatemala, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Antigua Guatemala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Antigua Guatemala is in Central America, 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 Antigua Guatemala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antigua Guatemala 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 Antigua Guatemala.

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


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Antigua Guatemala?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Antigua Guatemala, 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.