Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
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 10-Day Tours in Brazil, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Rio de Janeiro $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $106. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Rio de Janeiro $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Rio de Janeiro $134
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Rio de Janeiro $8.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
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Taxi Ride$2.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- 2025 Sambadrome Carnival Parade: Transfer Included Sector 5: $471
- 2025: Rio Carnival Parade at Sapucaí with Transfer Sector 7: $471
- A transfer with safety and comfort in Rio: $45
- Airport Private Transfer - Premium Service: $65
- Airport Transfer: Rio de Janeiro to Airport GIG by Luxury Van: $125
- All Private Transfer from Rio de Janeiro to Ilha Grande: $275
- All-You-Can-Eat Brazilian Churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $80
- Angra dos Reis Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $53
- AquaRio Small Group Guided Tour with entrance and transfer: $60
- Arraial do Cabo Private Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $123
- Arraial do Cabo Shared Transfer From Rio de Janeiro: $54
- Arrival Private Transfer GIG or SDU Airport to Rio City by Minivan: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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 $31Rio de Janeiro $20
Typical Food Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
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Popcorn$0.59
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Corn on the Cob$0.79
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Hamburger$0.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $46
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $73
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $80
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Brazilian Meats and Snacks + South American Wines Guided Dinner: $89
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $106
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $113
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
- Brazilian Cooking Class: $129
- Samba Show Admission & Transfer with Dinner Option: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Rio de Janeiro $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 Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Santa Teresa: the staircase: $6.99
- Rio de Janeiro (Ipanema & Copacabana) Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Pelourinho): $7.78
- Rio de Janeiro (Urca) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
- Rio de Janeiro Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- A Self-Guided Black History Audio Tour of Rio de Janeiro’s Little Africa: $9.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour-Story of Bossanova: Rhythm and soul of Rio: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Imperial Rio: $10
- Hiking Experience to Pedra do Telégrafo: $10
- Favela tour in copacabana with local guide!: $10
- Ticket to the match at maracanã of Flamengo: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Rio de Janeiro $12
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 Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $33
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $34
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis City Tour with Imperial Museum and Optional Lunch & Bohemia Brewery: $40
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $60
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $65
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Brazilian Wine Tasting Evening: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $132
When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Rio de Janeiro is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Christchurch is in Pacific and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Rio de Janeiro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Christchurch is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiro. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?
Both Rio de Janeiro and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In April, Christchurch is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiro. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Rio de Janeiro. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Christchurch is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiro. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Rio de Janeiro. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the spring, Christchurch is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiro. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.