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

Should you visit Christchurch or Havana?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Havana? 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $50
    Havana $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $100
    Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $15
    Havana $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
  • Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $31
    Havana $10

Typical Food Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $18
    Havana $11

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
  • International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $63
  • Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
  • Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Havana $5.76

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 Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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

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


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Havana, 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 Havana?

Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Christchurch is much colder than Havana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Havana averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Havanain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In April, Christchurch is generally much colder than Havanain October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Havanain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Havana. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Christchurch is much colder than Havana in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in January.

In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Havanain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Havana. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

In the spring, Christchurch is much colder than Havana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Havana averages at about 24°C (75°F)in April.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Havanain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Christchurch

Christchurch Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)