Which place is cheaper, Iquique 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 Iquique?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Iquique? 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 Iquique?
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.
Iquique
Located in a golden crescent of coastline, the beautiful beach city with an ocean that's several shades of blue and a historic centre that offers the perfect balance of culture and relaxation is counted among Chile's premier beach resorts. The city is home to the duty free zone called "Zofri" and a growing number of high rise resort hotels along its beaches. Slightly more expensive and polluted than neighboring population centers, such as Arica, Iquique and its chaotic duty-free shopping zone (zona franca) have become the perfect summer holiday destination for Chilean families.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Chile, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Chile.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesIquique Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Iquique $121
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Iquique is $121. 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 Iquique in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Iquique $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Iquique $86
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Iquique
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Iquique? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Iquique $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $129
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $129
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Iquique
Also for Iquique, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sandboard activity in Iquique with transfer: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Iquique?
Prices for flights to both Iquique 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 $53Iquique $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Iquique $27
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
- Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch: $137
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $178
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $149
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $238
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $161
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
- Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $262
Tours and Activities in Iquique
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Iquique.
- City tour of Iquique with navigation to the Esmeralda buoy: $55
- City Tour in Iquique: $89
- Pintados Geoglyphs, Humberstone and Salar Crespo tour: $145
- Red Lagoon Tour: $639
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Iquique $20
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: $113
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $113
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $134
- Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $166
When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Iquique, we can see that Iquique 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 Iquique is in South America, 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 Iquique Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Iquique?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Iquique. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Iquique, 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.
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.