A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Guatemala City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Christchurch or Guatemala City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Christchurch or Guatemala City? 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 Guatemala City?

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.

Guatemala City

Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.


Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $113, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Guatemala City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $47
    Guatemala City $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $94
    Guatemala City $48
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Guatemala City

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Guatemala City? 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.

Hotels in Christchurch


Hotels in Guatemala City


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 Guatemala City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $14
    Guatemala City $6.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Christchurch Airport Transfer To/From City in Comfy Vehicles: $21
  • Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Central City Hotels: $21
  • Christchurch INTL Airport Van Transfer to City Minimum 4 persons: $24
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $46
  • Christchurch Airport Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: $55
  • Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Christchurch by SUV: $66
  • Christchurch INTL Airport Car Transfer to City max 4 persons: $68
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $82
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $82
  • Christchurch Premium Airport and Departure Transfers: $86
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Christchurch - Round-Trip Transfer: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:

  • Airport Transfer Antigua: $70
  • Airport Transfer for Large Groups – Private Bus: $195
  • Arrival Transfer: Guatemala City Airport to Hotels: $20
  • Departure Transfer: Guatemala City Hotels to Airport: $20
  • From Guatemala City One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey: $49
  • From One way shared transfer to El Paredon: $59
  • Guatemala Airport (GUA) to San Felipe de Lara - Arrival Transfer: $179
  • Guatemala Airport Roundtrip Transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $56
  • Guatemala City Airport (GUA) to Quetzaltenango-Arrival Transfer: $160
  • One way Shared Transfer to Antigua: $24
  • One way private transfer to Antigua: $69
  • One way shared transfer to Panajachel: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Guatemala City?

Prices for flights to both Guatemala City 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 day
    Christchurch $51
    Guatemala City $27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Christchurch

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Christchurch.

  • Kiwi Canapé Cooking Competition at Riverside Market 2 Hrs: $72
  • Christchurch Riverside Market Cooking Class: $104

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.

  • Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
  • Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
  • Food Tour Zona 4: Dinner Date Experience: $125
  • Pacaya Volcano Private Tour: Nature, Adventure and Pizza: $175
  • Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza Surrounded by The Volcano: $195
  • Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
  • Pacaya Volcano. Tour and pizza making on Volcanic Heat: $275
  • Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $17
    Guatemala City $1.23

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Historical, Heritage & Earthquake walking tour of Christchurch: $17
  • 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: $26
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $43
  • 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
  • Te Ara Walking Tour Explore Māori Culture along the Avon River: $51
  • Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
  • Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: $60

Tours and Activities in Guatemala City

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:

  • Graffiti Walking Tour in 4 Grados Norte Guatemala City: $20
  • Historic Center Walking Tour; Art and History: $27
  • Volcano-Grown Coffee Tasting Experience: $28
  • Half-Day Guatemala City Explorer Tour: $34
  • Walking Tour of Guatemala City's Historical Center: $35
  • Walking Tour: $35
  • Guatemala city walking tour everyday 2 persons and up: $39
  • Half Day Antigua Guatemala Tour: $40
  • Guatemala City Express: Half-day city tour: $45
  • Antigua Guatemala Express Half Day Colonial Charm Tour: $45
  • City walking tour Guatemala City and Relieff Map: $47
  • Heart of Guatemala City Tour with Local Guide: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Guatemala City $6.95

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: $114
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
  • Christchurch City & Waipara Valley Wine Tour: $172

Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City

Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Guatemala City, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Guatemala City is in Central 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 Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Guatemala City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Guatemala City?

Guatemala City has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Guatemala City, 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.