Which place is cheaper, Boracay or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Boracay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Boracay? 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 Boracay?
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.
Boracay
A small island in the Philippines known for its resorts and beaches, Boracay is a little escape. Each beach has its own unique character, each with new treasures waiting to be discovered.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $102Boracay $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $102, while the average daily cost in Boracay is $56. 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 Boracay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $52Boracay $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $104Boracay $46
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Boracay
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Boracay? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Boracay $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $67
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $133
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $110
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Van: $93
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $110
- Christchurch Airport to City Transfer : $54
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $60
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $76
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boracay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:
- Airport Transfer to Boracay or vice versa: $29
- Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan: $35
- Boracay Transfer round trip with Island Hopping: $70
- Caticlan Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay: $44
- Shared Transfer from/to MPH for Domestic Passports: $21
- Caticlan: Ferry Boat Airport Transfer To Boracay: $35
- Caticlan: Shared Airport Transfer From/To Boracay: $55
- Caticlan: Speedboat Airport Transfer to Boracay: $51
- Departure: Ferry boat Transfer Boracay to Caticlan Airport: $30
- PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TO BORACAY: $106
- Speedboat Caticlan to Boracay Transfer (Oneway): $83
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Boracay?
Prices for flights to both Boracay 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 $33Boracay $14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $19Boracay $15
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: $22
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $27
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $41
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $42
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $47
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $49
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission: $57
- Cruise Ship Day Christchurch Hop On Hop Off Tour: $63
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $70
- Christchurch Sightseeing Pass: $73
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $86
- Christchurch City Top Spots Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour): $111
Tours and Activities in Boracay
Here are a few actual costs in Boracay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Crystal Kayak Photo-op Experience: $6.43
- Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $9.18
- Flying Donut Water Tubing Experience: $15
- Boracay Sunset Cruise: $16
- Boracay UFO Adventure: $17
- Sunset Cruise with Water Activities: $17
- Boracay E-trike Land Tour: $20
- Island and Beach-Hopping Boat Tour with Snorkeling: $20
- Boracay Island Rhythm Sunset Cruise: $21
- Stand-up Paddleboard Experience: $22
- All-Terrain Vehicle or Buggy Car Experience: $23
- Boracay Optional Tours and Packages: $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $12Boracay $16
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: $104
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $111
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $115
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $123
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $140
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $551
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Boracay, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Boracay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Boracay is in Asia, 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 Boracay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Boracay 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 Boracay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Boracay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Boracay?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Boracay. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Boracay, 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.