Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Christchurch or Podgorica?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica?
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.
Podgorica
Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.
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 Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Podgorica $112
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is $112. 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 Podgorica in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Podgorica $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Podgorica $98
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Podgorica
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Podgorica? 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 Podgorica Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Podgorica $21
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:
- Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
- Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
- From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
- Kotor to Podgorica one way transfer: $205
- Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
- Podgorica hotels to Kotor Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer to Budva: $39
- Private transfer to Kotor: $54
- Private transfer to Tivat: $54
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Bar : $98
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Herceg Novi: $156
- Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $263
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Podgorica?
Prices for flights to both Podgorica 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 dayChristchurch $31Podgorica $43
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Podgorica $22
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
Tours and Activities in Podgorica
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:
- Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.23
- Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
- Boat Cruise Viktor Skadar LakeVirpazar Kom MonasteryVirpazar: $14
- Lake Skadar Grmozur Fortress and Monastery Cruise: $16
- Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
- Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
- Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
- Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
- From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
- Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
- Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $66
- Walking tour, all the secrets of Podgorica: $75
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Podgorica $21
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:
- Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
- Book Your Wine Tour: $78
- Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $98
- Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $121
- Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $129
- Full Day Private Podgorica Wine Tour Experience: $159
- Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $197
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Podgorica, we can see that Podgorica 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 Podgorica 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 Podgorica would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Podgorica 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 Podgorica Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Podgorica?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Podgorica. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?
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 Podgorica has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Christchurch or Podgorica in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Podgorica. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Christchurch is generally much colder than Podgoricain July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Podgorica during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Podgoricain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Podgorica 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Podgorica in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Christchurch is cooler than Podgorica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Podgorica fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Podgoricain October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Podgoricain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Podgorica 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Podgorica in the Winter?
Both Podgorica 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.
In the winter, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Podgorica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Podgorica averages at about 6°C (42°F)in January.
Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Podgorica during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In July, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Podgoricain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Podgorica 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Podgorica in the Spring?
Both Podgorica 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.
In October, Christchurch is generally cooler than Podgoricain April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Podgoricain April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.
Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Podgoricain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Podgorica 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Podgorica and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Podgorica | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 217 mm (8.5 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.