Which place is cheaper, Cape Town or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Christchurch or Cape Town?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town?
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.
Cape Town
Picture your travel bucket list. Is Cape Town on it? Yes, most people dream of visiting the "Mother City" of South Africa. As one of the most iconic places in the world, Cape Town is a world-class cosmopolitan city full of bustling nightlife, historical backdrops and a large gay community.
Cape Town is the most southern city in Africa with seasons turned upside down. In the southern hemisphere they experience the summer from December to February. During these months days can be hot and dry so be sure to gather in the shade and wear plenty of sunscreen. The winter from June to August is full of rainy days and cold nights.
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 Camping Tours in South Africa, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in South Africa.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Cape Town $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Cape Town is $98. 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 Cape Town in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Cape Town $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Cape Town $78
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Cape Town
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Cape Town? 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 Cape Town Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Cape Town $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $30
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $54
- Luxury Christchurch Airport/Port Arrivals and Departure Transfers: $105
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch International or Domestic Airport Transfer to City: $52
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $80
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Town
Also for Cape Town, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transport Shuttle Transfer to Camps Bay Cape Town: $18
- Airport transfers: $22
- 1 Day Durbanville Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Transfers: $178
- 1 Day Explore Cape Town Like a Local with Private Guided Transfer: $149
- 1 Day Helderberg Valley Winelands Tour with Private Transfers: $232
- 1 Day Hemel en Aarde Whale Coast Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $205
- 1 Day Tastes of Stellenbosch Wine Tour with Private Transfers: $220
- 1 Day West Coast Wonders Tour with Private Transfers: $177
- 1 Day Wine Lover Wander Connoisseur Tour with Private Transfers: $180
- 1-3 Passenger Private Arrival & Departure Cape Town - Airport Transfers: $54
- 1.Cape Town Airport Transfer (&Private tour trips during yo Stay): $17
- AIRPORT Transfer to and from Cape Town City: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Cape Town?
Prices for flights to both Cape Town 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 dayChristchurch $31Cape Town $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner At Mandela's - Cultural Township Dinner Experience: $28
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap: $41
- 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap: $43
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $55
- Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $56
- Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class: $59
- African Dinner, Drumming Experience with Transfer: $61
- African Dinner Experience from Cape Town: $61
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience: $62
- Cruise and Dine Dinner / Sunset Champagne Cruise and 3-Course Dinner: $71
- Cape Town Food tour (Includes all food) 4hrs: $76
- Private Cooking Class and Meal in Local Wynberg Cape Town Home: $80
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Cape Town $23
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- (MT) Mount Cook Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch: $232
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $110
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $110
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $153
- Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $218
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $254
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With Jet boat Ride : $221
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $233
Tours and Activities in Cape Town
For Cape Town, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $2.99
- District Six Museum Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket: $3.24
- Skip the Line: District Six Museum Admission Ticket: $3.60
- Kirstenbosch: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.99
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cape Town Canal Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Town 30-minute V&A Harbour Cruise: $4.15
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Up): $4.35
- Cape Point Flying Dutchman Funicular Ticket (One way Down): $4.35
- Meandering through Mouille Point: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- V&A Waterfront: Seal & Harbour Cruise: $5.00
- Sea Point Promenade: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Muizenberg to Kalk Bay: Amble along the amazing False Bay Coast on an audio tour: $5.20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Cape Town $21
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
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
Sample the Local Flavors in Cape Town
Also in Cape Town, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Distillery Tour, rum and gin tasting: $7.13
- Experience South African Craft Rum tasting and distillery tour in Cape Town: $9.60
- African drum show & wine tasting at Silvermist: $24
- Drumstruck at Silvermist. Live African Drum Show & Wine tasting: $25
- Sip 15 Wines on a 3-Region Wine Tour with Cheese: $38
- Wine Tour: Paarl, Franschhoek & Stellenbosch incl 3 wineries: $38
- Three Region Wine Tour: $44
- Cape Winelands and Wine Tasting Full Day Tour: $47
- half day wine tour & Safaris[Morning /Afternoon]: $49
- Stellenbosch: Half-Day Wine Tour: $51
- Fullday Wine Tour: $51
- Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town: $54
When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Cape Town, we can see that Cape Town is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Christchurch is in Pacific and Cape Town is in Africa, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Cape Town Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Cape Town?
Cape Town has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Cape Town, 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 Cape Town?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Christchurch or Cape Town in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Cape Town. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Christchurch is cooler than Cape Town in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Cape Town fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Town. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Cape Town. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 338 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in January than Cape Town. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Cape Town 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cape Town in the Autumn?
Both Cape Town and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the autumn, Christchurch is cooler than Cape Town. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Cape Town averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Cape Town. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Cape Town. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Cape Town 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cape Town in the Winter?
Both Cape Town and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Cape Town. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Cape Town fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Cape Town. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cape Town receives 193 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Cape Town. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Cape Town 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cape Town in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Cape Town. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Christchurch is cooler than Cape Town in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cape Town fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Town this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Cape Town during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Cape Town receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Cape Town. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cape Town receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Cape Town 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Cape Town and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Cape Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 17 mm (0.7 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.