Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Rabat?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Rabat? 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 Rabat?
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.
Rabat
While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.
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 in Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Rabat $43
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Rabat is $43. 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 Rabat in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Rabat $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Rabat $54
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Rabat
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Rabat? 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 Rabat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Rabat $2.10
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:
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Taxi to Sale$3.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat
Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $110
- From Rabat : Private Transfer to Fes via Meknes & volubilis : $154
- One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
- Private Transfer From Rabat Airport to Rabat City: $32
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $88
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $110
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
- Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $66
- Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Rabat?
Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 $31Rabat $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat
For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
- Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
- Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
- Walking Food Tour: $76
- Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
- Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
- Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
- Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
- Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Rabat $2.83
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
Tours and Activities in Rabat
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.
- SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
- Rabat old Medina ,Hassan Tower and Kasbah Oudaya Walking tour : $40
- Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
- Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
- Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
- Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
- Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $60
- Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
- 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
- Private Guided Boat Tour in Rabat: $70
- Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
- Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Rabat -
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Rabat, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Rabat is in Africa, 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 Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch than you might in Rabat.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Rabat?
Rabat has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Rabat, 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 Rabat?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Rabat in the Summer?
Both Rabat and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.
Christchurch is cooler than Rabat in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in July.
In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Rabatin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in January than Rabatin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Rabat 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Rabat in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Rabat. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Rabat. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Rabat averages at about 20°C (67°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Rabatin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Rabat 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Rabat in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Rabat. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Rabatin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Rabatin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Rabatin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Rabat 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Rabat in the Spring?
Both Rabat and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Christchurch is cooler than Rabat in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Rabat fluctuates around 16°C (60°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Rabatin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Rabat 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Rabat and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Rabat | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 102 mm (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.