Which place is cheaper, Kingston or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Kingston?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Kingston? 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 Kingston?
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.
Kingston
Kingston is Jamaica's capital city with a population of about 579,000. For being located on an island, Kingston is a very large city with several different zip codes. Not only is Kingston the cultural capital of the country, but also the commercial one as well.
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 $96Kingston $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Kingston is $107. 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 Kingston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Kingston $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Kingston $126
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Kingston
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Kingston? 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 Kingston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Kingston $29
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kingston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kingston:
- Kingston Airport Private Transfer to Riu Ocho Rios: $200
- 10. Norman Manley Intl Kingston Airport Fun-Transfer to/from Montego Bay Resorts: $125
- Airport Transfer Norman Manley international airport: $30
- Airport Transfer in Kingston: $50
- All Island Private Transfer To/From Kingston Airport (KIN): $22
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Kingston: $388
- Kingston : Private Airport Transfer to Montego Bay: $168
- Kingston Airport Taxi Transfers Private ***: $47
- Kingston Airport Transfers to Runaway Bay: $127
- Kingston Airport to & From Sandals Ocho Rios Transfer: $200
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer : $161
- Kingston Private Airport Transfer to Accommodation in Montego Bay: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Kingston?
Prices for flights to both Kingston 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 $31Kingston $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Kingston $13
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
Tours and Activities in Kingston
Here are a few actual costs in Kingston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking Tour with Mural Exploration: $26
- Montego Bay: All inclusive tours: $30
- Bob Marley Museum Tour Skip the Line Tickets: $45
- Cannabis Shopping Tour with Lunch: $50
- Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Bus Tour of Ocho Rios, Fern Gully and Turtle Beach: $62
- Devon House Heritage Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $63
- Devon House Tour with Ice Cream from Kingston: $64
- Kingston Half Day Community and Art Tour: $70
- Kingston City Tour (starting in Kingston): $72
- Shared Tour: Irie Blue Hole & Secret Falls Adventure Tour from Ocho Rios: $73
- Friday Evening Kingston Harbour Cruise, Sunday Beach Cruise or Charter Our Boats: $75
- Bob Marley Museum Tour from Kingston: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Kingston $11
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kingston
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kingston:
- Ocho Rios Pub Crawl and Sightseeing Tour from Ocho Rios: $185
When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Kingston, we can see that Kingston 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 Kingston is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Kingston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Kingston?
Kingston has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Kingston, 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 Kingston?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kingston experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Kingston in the Summer?
Both Kingston and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Kingston because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Christchurch is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Kingston averages at about 29°C (83°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Kingston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 254 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Kingstonin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Kingston 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Kingston in the Autumn?
Both Kingston and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kingston year-round.
In April, Christchurch is generally much colder than Kingstonin October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Kingston fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Kingston, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Kingstonin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 229 hours of full sun.
Kingston gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Kingstonin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Kingston 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Kingston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Kingston. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Kingston attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Christchurch is much colder than Kingston in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Kingston fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kingston this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Kingston during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Kingston receives 257 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Kingstonin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Kingston 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Kingston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Kingston. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kingston throughout the year.
In the spring, Christchurch is much colder than Kingston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Kingston averages at about 26°C (80°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kingston. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the spring, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Kingstonin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kingston receives 251 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Kingstonin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kingston receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Kingston 26°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Kingston and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Kingston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.