Which place is cheaper, Montreal or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Montreal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Montreal? 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 Montreal?
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.
Montreal
While Quebec City is the political capital of Quebec Province, Montreal is the economic and cultural capital. It's also the second largest city in Canada, with a population of about 1.9 million and 4 million in the metropolitan area. It's the second largest French speaking city in the world behind Paris.
Montreal is a very trendy and vibrant city with an active nightlife and countless activities to enjoy. It's located on an island in the St. Lawrence River and has a humid continental climate. There are four distinct seasons. Summers are warm or hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild and winters are cold and snowy. You can expect about 2 meters of snow every year, but there are also more than 2,000 hours of sunshine annually.
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 Train & Rail Tours in Canada, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Montreal $210
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Montreal is $210. 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 Montreal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Montreal $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Montreal $264
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Montreal
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Montreal? 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 Montreal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Montreal $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- 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: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- 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 Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montreal
Also for Montreal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 8 Passengers Transfer from or to Montreal Airport YUL to Montreal City Center : $223
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
- Departure Private Transfer: Montreal to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Departure Transfer Montreal to Montreal Airport by Limos or Bus: $153
- Downtown Direct: Montreal's Exclusive Airport Transfer: $79
- Le Terminal Cruise Port to Québec Airport YQB Departure Transfer: $57
- Montreal Best Private Transfer services : $82
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Business Car: $117
- Montreal Private Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL in Luxury SUV: $163
- Arrival Transfer from International Airport: $65
- Private Departure Transfer to Montreal Airport YUL: $116
- Private One-way Montreal Airport Transfer To/From Montreal: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Montreal?
Prices for flights to both Montreal 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 $31Montreal $36
Typical Food Prices in Montreal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Montreal:
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Tim Hortons breakfast and coffee$9.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Le Bateau-Mouche À La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise: $59
- No Diet Club: Walking food Tour with many tastings: $59
- Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio: $74
- Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours: $103
- Cooking Class and Tasting Menu with Michelin Chef: $130
- Montréal: 5-Course Dinner Cruise with Music & VIP Option: $160
- Personalized Private Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $207
- Cooking Class in Montreal with a Michelin-Star Trained Chef: $224
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Montreal $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
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montreal
For Montreal, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Botanical Gardens (family of 4)$54
Tours and Activities in Montreal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montreal.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Montreal self-guided tour App - multilingual AudioGuide: $4.31
- Montréal's Mile End to Outremont: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.54
- Escape Game and Tour: $8.61
- APP Self-Guided Tours Montreal with Audioguide: $8.74
- Montreal Art Center & Museum Audio Guided Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- McCord Stewart Museum : Entry Ticket: $15
- Montreal Zipline Adventure: $15
- Self-Guided Old Town Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour: $15
- Montreal Old Port: Urban Zipline Ticket: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Montreal $16
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 Montreal
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Montreal:
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Vodka$18
Sample the Local Flavors in Montreal
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montreal:
- Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl: $22
- Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Montreal, we can see that Montreal 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 Montreal 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 Montreal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montreal 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 Montreal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Montreal?
Montreal has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Montreal, 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 Montreal?
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 Montreal has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Christchurch or Montreal in the Summer?
Both Montreal and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the summer, Christchurch is cooler than Montreal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Montreal averages at about 21°C (69°F)in July.
In Montreal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Montrealin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 276 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Montrealin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Montreal 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montreal in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Montreal. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Montrealin October. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Montreal fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Montrealin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Montreal 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montreal in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Montreal. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Montreal can be very cold during winter. Christchurch is much warmer than Montreal in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Montreal fluctuates around -10°C (14°F)in January.
In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Montrealin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montreal receives 103 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Montrealin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Montreal -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montreal in the Spring?
Both Montreal and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Christchurch is much warmer than Montreal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Montreal averages at about 6°C (43°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Montreal during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Montreal receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Montrealin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montreal receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Montreal 6°C (43°F)
Typical Weather for Montreal and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Montreal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 99 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.