Which place is cheaper, Lima or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Lima? 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
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 Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Lima $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Lima $5.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Assistance /Transfer Hotel - Airport Lima Airport : $40
- Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
- From The Larco Museum Complete Tour with transfers: $56
- J.Chavez Airport to Miraflores City Hotels- Round Trip Transfer: $41
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Jorge Chavez International Airport: Private Transfer: $25
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $134
- Lima : Private transfer between airport to your destination: $29
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $31Lima $17
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.30
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Ice cream$3.49
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Coffee$2.95
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Donut$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Lima $8.57
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.28
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Free Walking Tour of Lima: $2.00
- Peru's Best Bike Experience since 2014 - 4 Hours Hire: $9.90
- Customize your trip to Peru with Lima Experience: $12
- bike tour: $12
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $13
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Barranco Street Art Tour: $17
- Party tour Fridays Barranco / Saturdays Miraflores: $18
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima : $19
- Private Tour with guide in Museo de Arte de Lima - MALI: $20
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $20
- Lima Downtown Tour from Miraflores in 3 hrs: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Lima $5.57
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 Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.23
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Beer$4.03
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Cocktail$3.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour : $39
- Local Wine Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Lima, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Lima is in South 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Lima, 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 Lima?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Lima in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Lima. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Christchurch is generally around the same temperature as Limain July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Limain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Lima. The autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Christchurch is much colder than Lima in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.
In the autumn, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Limain October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in April than Limain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Lima in the Winter?
Both Lima and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than Lima. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Lima averages at about 23°C (73°F)in January.
Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Limain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In October, Christchurch is generally much colder than Limain April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Limain April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Limain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.