A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Malmo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Christchurch or Malmo?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Malmo? 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 Malmo?

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.

Malmo

Located on the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Skane, Malmo is Sweden's third largest city. It has a very international population with about a third of the residents being from countries other than Sweden. This diversity is evident within Malmo, which is rich in culture, interesting food, and an array of entertainment options. Historically, Malmo was an industrial city with a ship building company, Kockums being the area's largest employer. Today, however, the city is much more economicaly diverse with many eco friendly neighborhoods and plenty of suburban style housing.

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 2-Week Tours from Stockholm, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Malmo or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Malmo is $115. 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 Malmo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $49
    Malmo $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $98
    Malmo $110
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Malmo

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Malmo? 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.

Hotels in Christchurch


Hotels in Malmo


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 Malmo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $14
    Malmo $9.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Malmo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Malmo:


  • Malmö Bus Card
    $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malmo

Also for Malmo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo Airport (MMX) to Malmo City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Malmo City to Malmo Airport (MMX) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Central Malmo to Malmo Airport: $58
  • Malmo Private Transfer from Malmo airport to Central Malmo : $106
  • Private Direct Transfer From Malmo to Copenhagen: $168

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Malmo?

Prices for flights to both Malmo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Christchurch $53
    Malmo $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malmo

For Malmo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Self-guided Food Tour in Malmö: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $17
    Malmo $18

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
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
  • (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
  • 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
  • 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
  • Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
  • Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
  • Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
  • Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $264

Tours and Activities in Malmo

For Malmo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Old Town Helsingborg: Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour: $7.20
  • Self-guided audio tour in Lund: explore the story of the Locus Peccatorum murder: $8.63
  • The Headless Horseman in Malmö: A self-guided walking tour game: $8.63
  • Lund's Medieval and Modern History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Half Day Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Cosmopolitan Malmö: $16
  • Skip the Line: Disgusting Food Museum Entrance Ticket: $24
  • Canal Sightseeing Boat Tour of Malmö: $25
  • Malmo Syndicate City Escape Game Self Guided Experience: $31
  • Half Day Walking Tour in Lund City and University: $38
  • Guided Walking Tour in Malmö: $39
  • Malmö Private Walking Tour with a Local: $56
  • Malmö Photography Tour: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Malmo $41

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: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Malmo, we can see that Christchurch 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 Malmo is in Europe, 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 Malmo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Malmo?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Malmo. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Malmo, 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 Malmo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Malmo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or Malmo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Malmo. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Christchurch is around the same temperature as Malmo in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Malmo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malmo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Malmoin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 247 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Malmoin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F) 
    Malmo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Malmo in the Autumn?

Both Malmo and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Christchurch is a little warmer than Malmo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Malmo averages at about 10°C (50°F)in October.

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Malmoin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Malmo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Malmo in the Winter?

Both Malmo and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Malmo can be very cold. In July, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Malmoin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Malmo fluctuates around 0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Malmoin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malmo receives 36 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Malmoin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F) 
    Malmo 0°C (32°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Malmo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Malmo. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Christchurch is much warmer than Malmo in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Malmo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F)in April.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Malmo during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Malmo receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Malmoin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malmo receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Malmo 5°C (42°F)

Typical Weather for Malmo and Christchurch

Christchurch Malmo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) -0°C (32°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)