Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesBuenos Aires, Argentina Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $114Buenos Aires, Argentina $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $114, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $57. 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 $47Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $94Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
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 $14Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Airport Transfer in Christchurch Luxury Chauffeur Experience: $70
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: $50
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $133
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $110
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $47
- Christchurch International Airport To/From City Center Transfer: $30
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $97
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Luxury Van: $115
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $183
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- 8hr Buenos Aires City Tour and Airport Transfer Combo: $293
- Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $116
- Airport Transfer: Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Luxury Van: $143
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Business Car: $110
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Airport EZE by Luxury Van: $143
- Aljibe Tango Earlier Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels Buenos Aires: $115
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Car: $126
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport AEP to Buenos Aires in Luxury Van: $143
- Arrival Private Transfers from Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires: $143
- Arrival Transfer: Airport AEP to Buenos Aires by Business Car: $116
- Arrival Transfer: Ezeiza Airport EZE to Buenos Aires by Sedan: $116
- Best Tango Show with Private Transfer: $105
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 $51Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.65
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.
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $28
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
- Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $42
- BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
- BA: Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $46
- Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
- El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner: $47
- Tango Dinner-Show at El Aljibe with Optional Classic Bus Transfer: $48
- BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49
- Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Buenos Aires, Argentina $31
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: $27
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: $56
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
- Māori Waka Experience in Christchurch - 75 minutes: $58
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $6.72
- Buenos Aires Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 18 reviews: $7.08
- Discover Buenos Aires: A Self-Guided Tour: $8.15
- Small Group Buenos Aires Walking Tour: $10
- Walking Tour in Retreat Palaces and Trains and Authentic Mate.: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $11
- Guided tour of the Mate Museum: $13
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market: $13
- Palermo Graffiti Tour: $13
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- Small Group Tour of Buenos Aires Historic: $15
- Recoleta Cemetery Tour in English: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.34
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: $112
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Christchurch City & Waipara Valley Wine Tour: $176
- Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $224
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:
- Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $35
- Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
- BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
- Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
- Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
- Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $60
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $94
- Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
- Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown: $97
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $106
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.