Which place is cheaper, Coimbra 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 Coimbra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra?
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.
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
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 Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesCoimbra Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Coimbra $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Coimbra is $162. 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 Coimbra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Coimbra $51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Coimbra $102
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Coimbra
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Coimbra? 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 Coimbra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Coimbra $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $161
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Aveiro Costa Nova : $298
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent : $274
- Private transfer in Coimbra City : $95
- Transfers Aveiro or Coimbra to Lisbon Airport: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Coimbra?
Prices for flights to both Coimbra 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 $53Coimbra $97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Coimbra $21
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 & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $175
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $140
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $258
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Tomar Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.48
- Coimbra Downtown Walking Tour with uptown insights : $5.96
- Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: $5.96
- Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: $5.96
- Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.34
- Self-Guided Tour of Fado Traditions in Coimbra: $9.99
- Tomar’s Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Coimbra City Tour : $24
- Cycle to Ancient Dolmens in Azenha. History, Theory & Folklore Guided Tour: $36
- Coimbra Adventure Discovery and Learning with a Local: $42
- Tomar and the Templars Convent of Christ Tour: A Historical Tale: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Coimbra $14
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: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $117
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Port Wine Tasting in Coimbra: $72
- Self-drive Wine Tour in Bairrada Region: $251
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Coimbra, we can see that Coimbra is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Coimbra is in Europe, 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Coimbra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coimbra than you might in Christchurch.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Coimbra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Coimbra?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Coimbra, 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 Coimbra?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Coimbra has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Christchurch or Coimbra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Coimbra. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Christchurch is cooler than Coimbra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Coimbra averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Coimbrain July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 308 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in January than Coimbrain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Coimbra 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Coimbra in the Autumn?
Both Coimbra 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 April, Christchurch is generally cooler than Coimbrain October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Coimbra fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Coimbra during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Coimbrain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Coimbra 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Coimbra in the Winter?
Both Coimbra and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Christchurch is much colder than Coimbra in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Coimbra fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in January.
In the winter, Christchurch often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbrain January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coimbra receives 124 hours of full sun.
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Coimbrain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Coimbra 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Coimbra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Coimbra. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Christchurch is cooler than Coimbra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Coimbra averages at about 15°C (59°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coimbra during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Coimbra receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Coimbrain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Coimbra receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Coimbra 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Coimbra and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Coimbra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.