Which place is cheaper, Montevideo or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Montevideo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo?
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.
Montevideo
As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.
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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, and The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Montevideo $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Montevideo is $64. 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 Montevideo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Montevideo $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Montevideo $80
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Montevideo
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Montevideo? 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 Montevideo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Montevideo $7.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $107
- Luxury Christchurch Airport/Port Arrivals and Departure Transfers: $105
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $80
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo
Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
- Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36
- Carrasco Airport Transfer: $20
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
- Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
- Shared 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo Port: $30
- Private Transfer from Montevideo Port to Carrasco Airport (MVD): $26
- Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
- Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
- TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
- Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Montevideo?
Prices for flights to both Montevideo 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 $31Montevideo $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo
For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
- El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango and Folklore: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Montevideo $21
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 Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch: $232
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $110
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $110
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $153
- Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $218
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $254
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With Jet boat Ride : $221
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $233
Tours and Activities in Montevideo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.
- Montevideo's Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Museo Andes 1972 / Crash Memorial Admission Ticket: $8.00
- Palacio Salvo Official Ticket with Guided Tour: $13
- Tourist Bus "Discover Montevideo": $25
- Half-day Regular City Tour at Montevideo : $25
- Audio Guided Tour in Montevideo City for Cruisers: $26
- Montevideo City Tour for Cruisers - AudioGuided: $26
- City tour Montevideo: $27
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $28
- Shared Montevideo Tour for Cruisers: $30
- Old City Walking Tour with Private Photographer: $30
- Walking Tour with Photographer and Audioguide: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Montevideo -
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
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montevideo:
- Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
- The best wine tour: $140
- Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
- Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Montevideo, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Montevideo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Montevideo 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 Montevideo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montevideo 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 Montevideo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Montevideo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Montevideo?
Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Montevideo, 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 Montevideo?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Christchurch or Montevideo in the Summer?
Both Montevideo and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Christchurch is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Montevideo averages at about 24°C (75°F).
In Montevideo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Montevideo. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 296 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Montevideo. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Montevideo 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montevideo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Montevideo. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In April, Christchurch is generally cooler than Montevideo. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Montevideo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montevideo during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 171 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Montevideo. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montevideo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Montevideo. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Christchurch is much colder than Montevideo in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Montevideo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Montevideo. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montevideo receives 135 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Montevideo. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Montevideo 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montevideo in the Spring?
Both Montevideo and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the spring, Christchurch is cooler than Montevideo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Montevideo averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Montevideo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Montevideo during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Montevideo receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Montevideo. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montevideo receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Montevideo 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Montevideo and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Montevideo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.