Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Grand Cayman?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Grand Cayman? 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 Grand Cayman?
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.
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Grand Cayman $215
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $215. 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 Grand Cayman in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Grand Cayman $150
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Grand Cayman
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Grand Cayman? 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 Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Grand Cayman $31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- 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 Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $54
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $54
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Grand Cayman?
Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman 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 $31Grand Cayman $39
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Grand Cayman $41
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
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- West Bay Sightseeing Tour Plus Seven Mile Beach Visit: $45
- Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Adventure: $67
- Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops: $69
- Stingraycity Adventure: $69
- Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop: $69
- Stingray City Sandbar, Coral Gardens and 7-Mile Beach Tour: $70
- Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops on Grand Cayman: $75
- Stingrays, Starfish and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
- Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
- Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Grand Cayman $13
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 Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
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Beer$4.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Grand Cayman, we can see that Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Grand Cayman?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Grand Cayman, 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 Grand Cayman?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Grand Cayman experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Grand Cayman in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Grand Cayman. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.
In the summer, Christchurch is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 28°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Grand Cayman. Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Grand Caymanin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?
Both Grand Cayman and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Christchurch is generally much colder than Grand Caymanin October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Grand Caymanin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Grand Cayman in the Winter?
Both Grand Cayman and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round.
Christchurch is much colder than Grand Cayman in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 24°C (76°F)in January.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Grand Caymanin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Grand Cayman in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Grand Cayman. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Christchurch is much colder than Grand Cayman. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 26°C (79°F)in April.
In October, Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of rain as Grand Caymanin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Grand Cayman | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.