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

Should you visit Christchurch or Plzen?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Plzen? 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 Plzen?

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.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen is $142. 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 Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $49
    Plzen $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $98
    Plzen $140
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Plzen? 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 Plzen


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 Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $14
    Plzen $9.51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $96
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $127
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen 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
    Plzen $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $17
    Plzen $25

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
  • Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $21
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
  • Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $58
  • Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $67

Tours and Activities in Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • An Audio Tour of the City of Beer: Pilsen's History and Legends: $8.99
  • Experience Pilsen through Digital Audio Guide in English: $11
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $250

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Plzen $27

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: $117
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $118


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


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Plzen?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Plzen. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Plzen, 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 Plzen?

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

Should I visit Christchurch or Plzen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Plzen. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Christchurch is generally cooler than Plzenin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plzen 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 Plzen during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Plzenin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Plzen. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Christchurch is a little warmer than Plzen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.

In the autumn, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Plzenin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in April than Plzenin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Plzen in the Winter?

Both Plzen and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Plzen in the winter. In the winter, Christchurch is much warmer than Plzen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Plzen averages at about -1°C (31°F)in January.

Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Plzenin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Christchurch or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In October, Christchurch is generally a little warmer than Plzenin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Plzenin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Plzenin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Christchurch

Christchurch Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)