Which place is cheaper, Arequipa 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 Arequipa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Arequipa? 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 Arequipa?
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.
Arequipa
Sitting in the middle of the Misti, Chachani and PichuPichu volcanoes of Peru is the enchanting city of Arequipa. With 468 years of history, the city is full of Spanish colonial architecture. Known to locals as the "white city," the city center, Plaza de Armas, is quite the sight with buildings of sillar white stone made from the rocks of the surrounding volcanoes.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Peru, and The Best Cultural Tours in Peru.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesArequipa Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $118Arequipa $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $118, while the average daily cost in Arequipa is $62. 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 Arequipa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Arequipa $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Arequipa $50
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Arequipa
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Arequipa? 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 Arequipa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Arequipa $6.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Airport Transfer in Christchurch Luxury Chauffeur Experience: $70
- Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Central City Hotels: $22
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $135
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $135
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $111
- Christchurch INTL Airport Van Transfer to City Minimum 4 persons: $25
- Christchurch International Airport To/From City Center Transfer: $30
- Christchurch Train Station To From City Center Transfer: $22
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $98
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Arequipa are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$1.47
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Bus Ride$0.47
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Taxi Ride$1.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arequipa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arequipa:
- 2 Days Colca Canyon Tour with Transfer to Puno: $110
- 2-Day Colca Canyon Tour with optional transfer to Puno: $135
- Arequipa Airport (AQP) Private Transfer to Arequipa City: $23
- Arequipa Airport Arrival Transfer: $13
- Arequipa Airport Departure Transfer: $22
- Arequipa Airport Private Transfer: $38
- Arequipa Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $37
- Colca Canyon + Transfer To Puno: $103
- Colca Canyon Day Trip with Transfer to Puno: $65
- Colca Canyon full day tour with transfer to Puno: $80
- Full Day Tour to Colca including Transfer to Puno: $60
- Koh Lanta any hotel to Krabi airport Private transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Arequipa?
Prices for flights to both Arequipa 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 $53Arequipa $26
Typical Food Prices in Arequipa
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arequipa:
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Coke$0.44
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Lunch$3.09
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Ice Cream$1.18
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Fruit$0.88
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Ice Cream$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Arequipa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Arequipa.
- Peruvian Cooking Experience in Arequipa: $35
- Cooking Class at La Plantation: $36
- Peruvian Cooking Class in arequipa: $50
- Peruvian Cooking Class: $63
- Arequipa Food Tour: Ancestral Cuisine & City Tour: $79
- A 3-hour Guided Food Tour with 4 Iconic Restaurants of Arequipa: $79
- Arequipa Food Tour Experience: $115
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Arequipa $20
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Quake Stories: $15
- Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park: $18
- 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: $27
- 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
- Māori Waka Experience in Christchurch - 45 minutes: $47
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: $57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Arequipa
Here are a few typical costs in Arequipa for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Monastery Entry$2.94
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Salsa Class$2.94
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Movie Ticket$3.21
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Hot Springs$2.94
Tours and Activities in Arequipa
Here are a few actual costs in Arequipa for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Route of the Sillar 4-Hour Tour: $10
- Arequipa Walking Tour city center and drinks experience: $10
- Arequipa Tasting Tour: $13
- Tour to La Ruta del Sillar and Culesbrillas in Arequipa: $15
- Countryside Tour Arequipa: $18
- Chili River White Water Rafting Adventure with Pickup: $18
- Sillar Route and Culebrillas Tour Culture and Nature in Arequipa: $19
- City Tour Arequipa: $20
- Arequipa Rafting adventure on the Chili river with pick-up: $20
- Koh Rong Tour: A Snorkeling, Fishing, Sunset, Plankton: $20
- Añashuayco Quarries and Sillar Route Tour from Arequipa: $25
- Arequipa Sillar Stone Quarries and Culebrillas Canyon Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Arequipa $17
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: $114
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour: $141
- Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $228
Typical Alcohol Prices in Arequipa
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Arequipa are as follows:
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Beer$2.65
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Arequipa, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Arequipa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Arequipa is in South 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 Arequipa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arequipa 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 Arequipa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Arequipa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Arequipa?
Arequipa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Arequipa, 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.
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.