Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 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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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 $49Lima $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Lima $104
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 $14Lima $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $129
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $129
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
- Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Taxi Ride$5.73
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Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Assistance - Transfer Cusco Airport to Hotel & Viceversa: $40
- Deluxe Car Lima Transfer - Private Service: $29
- Direct Private Transfer From Lima to Paracas, English Speaking Driver: $269
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer : $22
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $43
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Larco Museum Complete Guided Tour with Transfers (Small Group): $55
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Lima Airport (LIM) to Miraflores city - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer: $25
- Lima Airport Transfers by SUV/Van: $43
- Lima Bus Station Arrival Transfer: $28
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 $53Lima $32
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.59
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Ice cream$3.73
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Coffee$3.15
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Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
- Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
- Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
- 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Lima $9.15
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
- Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
- Christchurch Sightseeing Pass: $68
- Ĺtautahi Meander Walking Tour with Tastings: $84
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)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Lima $5.95
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
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$7.71
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Beer$4.30
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Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Local Wine Tour : $55
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
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 | |||
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| 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.