Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
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: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- Ezeiza Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $75
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $40
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Business Car: $80
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $124
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $109
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $140
- Arrival Transfer Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires City by Sedan: $46
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $102
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $44
- Buenos Aires Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 $31Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.52
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Dinner$1.85
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Powerade$0.11
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Lunch$0.82
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Dinner$1.19
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Chocolate$3.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
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: $63
- 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: $114
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Bike tour through the La Boca neighborhood. Tango, Football and Art: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78
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: $102
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $120
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Christchurch is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Christchurch is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (65°F).
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun.
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of rain as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
Christchurch is cooler than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.