A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Christchurch or Philadelphia?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Philadelphia? 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.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Christchurch and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Philadelphia than Christchurch. Philadelphia is bigger than Christchurch, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Philadelphia is better known for its museums, theatre productions, music, historical sights, christmas markets, and big city activities, while Christchurch is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Christchurch is well known for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.

How is Christchurch different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Philadelphia and Christchurch. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Philadelphia are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Many visitors head to Christchurch specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is well known for its theatre productions. However, Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

While in town, many visitors enjoy seeing a show in Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Christchurch is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Christchurch or Philadelphia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Christchurch and Philadelphia.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Christchurch. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Philadelphia has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Christchurch and Philadelphia.

Christchurch is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

Many people head to Philadelphia for the nightlife scene. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Philadelphia is well known for its live music scene. However, Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Philadelphia. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Christchurch is not a live music destination.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Beaches?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Christchurch. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Philadelphia is not a beach destination.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its old town. However, Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Philadelphia to see the old town. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Christchurch does not have a historic old town.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Christchurch. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Philadelphia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Philadelphia and Christchurch.

Christchurch is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is well known for its Christmas activities. However, Christchurch does not offer Christmas activities.

Visitors come from all around to experience the Christmas activities in Philadelphia. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Christchurch does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Christchurch does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Philadelphia. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Christchurch does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Christchurch is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Christchurch makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Christchurch. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

Philadelphia is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Christchurch and Philadelphia are very good places to visit for students.

Christchurch is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Philadelphia is very popular with students. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Philadelphia is well known for its public transit. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Philadelphia has some very good public transit options. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

While Christchurch offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Christchurch or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Philadelphia on foot is easy. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

Christchurch is a very walkable destination. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Christchurch Worth Visiting? and Is Philadelphia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Christchurch?

How long in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Christchurch and Philadelphia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Christchurch than in Philadelphia. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Christchurch, and 2-3 days is enough time in Philadelphia.

Couples should spend more time in Philadelphia than Christchurch. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Philadelphia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Philadelphia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Christchurch.

One day in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

In Christchurch, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this outdoorsy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Philadelphia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

Christchurch is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Christchurch. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse big city of Philadelphia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Christchurch or Philadelphia?

Christchurch is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Philadelphia is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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 Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Philadelphia, we can see that Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Christchurch or Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Philadelphia. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Christchurch is cooler than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Philadelphiain July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Philadelphia. Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Philadelphiain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

Both Philadelphia 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. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C)in October.

It's quite sunny in Philadelphia. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Philadelphiain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Christchurch or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Philadelphia because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Philadelphia can be very cold. In July, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Philadelphiain January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Philadelphiain January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Philadelphiain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Christchurch or Philadelphia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Philadelphia. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Christchurch is around the same temperature as Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Philadelphia during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Philadelphiain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Christchurch