A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Las Vegas for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Christchurch or Las Vegas?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Las Vegas? 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a fun-filled, entertaining, and sexy entertainment capital. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Christchurch and Las Vegas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Las Vegas than Christchurch. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Las Vegas is very popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Christchurch attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Las Vegas is more touristy than Christchurch and is known for its magnificent resorts, world-class nightlife, all-you-can-eat buffets, and long running productions. It is also well known for The Strip. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere.

How is Christchurch different from Las Vegas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Las Vegas and Christchurch. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Christchurch and Las Vegas.

Christchurch offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Many visitors head to Las Vegas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Just wander along the Strip and pop in to any of the hotels to see what makes this city unique. There are many replicas of iconic landmarks around the world including the Venetian canals and the Eiffel Tower. You can also check out the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and the Neon Museum.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Theater?

Las Vegas is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Las Vegas draw crowds from around the world. Long running shows along with traveling Broadway productions make the theater scene here diverse and entertaining.

Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Christchurch or Las Vegas? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Las Vegas is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Las Vegas is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It has become famous for it's all-you-can-eat buffets, which you'll find in almost every hotel along the strip. To fully experience the sin of gluttony, head for one of the more luxurious hotels, which have the more expensive, but also higher quality buffets. Celebrity chefs have also opened many five star restaurants around town that you must try.

Christchurch has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Nightlife?

Las Vegas is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Las Vegas is a must-see party destination. From posh dance clubs to glitzy cocktail bars, its nightlife scene puts this city on the map. Many people forget to sleep here, whether they're gambling away their money, checking out a world class show, or partying in one of the many clubs.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Music?

Las Vegas is terrific for its live music scene. However, Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Las Vegas There are a number of long running shows as well as frequent musicians that pass through. There are also free live concerts and music festivals throughout the year.

Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Resorts?

Las Vegas is terrific for its resorts. However, Christchurch is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Las Vegas is a great choice. Along the strip you'll find world class resorts with casinos, shops, theaters, and all kinds of entertainment venues. Many resorts have a detailed décor that immerses you in an ambiance that unique from the world outside. Top rated resorts include the Bellagio, the Wynn, and Park MGM.

Christchurch is not a resort destination.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is notable for its beaches. However, Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Christchurch for it's beautiful beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Las Vegas is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Christchurch is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Las Vegas is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Las Vegas make it a world-class shopping destination. The city's shopping scene combines high end brands with a style that is uniquely Las Vegas. Many hotels have their own malls or shopping areas where you can buy designer names or visit flagship stores.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Families?

Christchurch is very popular for its family-friendly activities. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Christchurch is very family-friendly. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Las Vegas is not always a place people visit with their families. The city is more known for its adult entertainment options than as a family-friendly destination, but there are good kid-friendly activities around town including kid-oriented shows, the Fun Dungeon in the Excalibur, and thrilling rides that are great for all ages.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Couples?

Las Vegas is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Las Vegas makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has become a mecca for weddings - whether impromptu or luxuriously planned out. With it's glamourous resorts and wide variety of entertainment options, couples can enjoy a fun-filled visit here.

Christchurch is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is notable for backpackers. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Las Vegas is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most visitors are not backpackers, but for those who want to experience the hype while sticking to a budget, there are a handful of hostels around town.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Students?

Christchurch is notable for students. However, Las Vegas is not popular with students.

Many students visit Christchurch. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Las Vegas is not popular with students.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Christchurch is a good destination for its public transit. However, Las Vegas is a mediocre entertainment capital for times when you don't have a car.

Christchurch has a few public transit options. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Las Vegas. Many visitors use the Monorail to get around the Strip and the touristy areas. There's also a bus system that travels throughout the city.

Is Christchurch or Las Vegas a more walkable city?

Christchurch is notable for its walkability. Also, Las Vegas is not as famous, but is still a good entertainment capital to visit for its high level of walkability.

Christchurch is very walkable. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Las Vegas is a somewhat walkable place. The area around The Strip is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In this area you can access many restaurants, hotels, and casinos.

For even more information, also check out Is Christchurch Worth Visiting? and Is Las Vegas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Las Vegas or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

Both Christchurch and Las Vegas have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Las Vegas than in Christchurch. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 2-7 days is enough time in Las Vegas.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Las Vegas. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Christchurch, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Las Vegas than Christchurch. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Las Vegas that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Las Vegas if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Christchurch.

One day in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Christchurch. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Las Vegas is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Christchurch. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Each neighborhood in Las Vegas has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Christchurch or Las Vegas?

Christchurch is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Las Vegas is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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 Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Las Vegas, we can see that Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas is in North 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 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 Las Vegas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Las Vegas, 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.