Which place is cheaper, Nassau or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Nassau?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Nassau? 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 Nassau?
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.
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Nassau $189
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Nassau is $189. 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 Nassau in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Nassau $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Nassau $218
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Nassau
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Nassau? 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 Nassau Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Nassau $32
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 Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- (Private) Nassau Bahamas Airport Round-Trip Transfers (1-4ppl One Flat Rate): $160
- Airport Transfer: $190
- Airport Transfers : $58
- Atlantis Private Luxury Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $190
- Baha Mar ( Grand Hyatt, SLS, Rosewood Hotels) Private Airport Transfers : $160
- Chippies Airport/Hotel Transfers Transportation: $55
- Group transfer: $68
- Low Cost Airport Transfers: $185
- Luxury MKT Town Car Private Roundtrip Transfer : $140
- Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Nassau Airport (NAS) to Nassau cruise port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Nassau?
Prices for flights to both Nassau 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 $31Nassau $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Nassau $37
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 Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- All New Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack Portuguese & Spanish : $7.00
- KINDWalk — Nassau Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Heritage Museum of The Bahamas Nassau Guided Tour: $20
- Jekyll Island Dolphin Tours: $28
- Roundtrip Shuttle from Cruise Terminal at Prince George Wharf: $29
- Nassau Sightseeing Bus Tour: $35
- Big Bus Private Tour (minimum of 15): $43
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
- Banana Boat Adventure in Nassau: $50
- Banana Boat Adventure: $50
- Private Historic Landmarks Walking Tour: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Nassau $19
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 Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Nassau, we can see that Nassau 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 Nassau is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Nassau?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Nassau, 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 Nassau?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nassau experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Nassau in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Nassau. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Nassau attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Christchurch is generally much colder than Nassauin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nassau this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.
Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Nassauin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Nassau 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Nassau in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Nassau. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau throughout the year.
Christchurch is much colder than Nassau in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Nassau fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nassau. In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Nassauin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 223 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nassau. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Nassauin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 184 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Nassau 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Nassau in the Winter?
Both Nassau and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than Nassau. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Nassau averages at about 21°C (70°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Nassau. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Nassau during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Nassau receives 220 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Nassauin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Nassau 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Nassau in the Spring?
Both Nassau and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round.
In October, Christchurch is generally much colder than Nassauin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Nassau fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
In Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Nassauin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nassau receives 276 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Nassauin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nassau receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Nassau 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Nassau and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Nassau | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.