Which place is cheaper, Saint Croix or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Saint Croix?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint Croix? 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 Saint Croix?
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.
Saint Croix
Sometimes all you want out of a vacation is the warmth of the sun, the sound of the waves and the taste of a cold drink. No more. No less. That's exactly what you can expect in St. Croix.
The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a place of our leisure and relaxation. It's a bit of an expensive lifestyle for its 50,000 residents and daily visitors, but when you're living on island time, money is never a worry. There are no worries on island time.
This once volcanic island is covered in incredible beaches, stunning mountains, palm tress in the wind and historic colonial towns. While they may be a bit old and rundown, the Danish architecture still stands as a unique part of this island's legacy. Don't expect much window-shopping, though. That was not a feature incorporated in this style of architecture. If you want to know if a store is open, just step on in, but remember, shop hours are also running on island time.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesSaint Croix Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Saint Croix $277
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Saint Croix is $277. 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 Saint Croix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Saint Croix $149
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Saint Croix $298
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Saint Croix
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Saint Croix? 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 Saint Croix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Saint Croix $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- 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 Saint Croix
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Croix:
- Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Round-Trip Transfer: $167
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Airport to St. Croix Cruise Port : $87
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) to St. Croix : $180
- Private Transfer from St. Croix Port to St. Croix Airport (STX): $87
- Private Transfer from St.Croix Cruise Port to St.Croix hotels: $175
- Private Transfer from St.Croix hotels to St. Croix Cruise Port : $175
- St. Croix to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) - Departure Transfer: $84
- St. Croix to St. Croix Airport (STX) - Departure Private Transfer: $91
- St.Croix Airport (STX) to St.Croix - Arrival Private Transfer: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Saint Croix?
Prices for flights to both Saint Croix 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 $53Saint Croix $97
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Croix
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint Croix.
- A Evening Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
- A Morning Cultural Experience Through Food Cooking Class St. Croix: $90
- C'sted Sip & Savor Mixology Class with VI Food Tours: $131
- Taste of Twin City Food Tour with VI Food Tours: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Saint Croix $58
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: $20
- 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: $57
- Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
Tours and Activities in Saint Croix
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Saint Croix are as follows:
- Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour: $33
- St. Croix Ghost Tour of Historic Christiansted: $45
- Frederiksted Moke Tour: $75
- The Frederiksted St. Croix Sea Turtles Snorkeling Tour: $89
- Guided Kayak Tour of Salt River Bay Ecology and History: $115
- St Croix Island Tour: $118
- Parasail Experience in St Croix: $132
- Horseback Riding Experience: $160
- Private Sailing Tour of Pirate Waters and Shipwrecks: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Saint Croix $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: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Croix
Also in Saint Croix, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Farm to Bottle Tour at Prosperity Farm Distillery: $35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Saint Croix, we can see that Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint Croix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Croix 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 Saint Croix Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch or Saint Croix?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint Croix experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint Croix in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Saint Croix. The summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Saint Croix attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Christchurch is much colder than Saint Croix in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 29°C (83°F)in July.
In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Saint Croixin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Saint Croix 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint Croix in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Saint Croix. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Croix throughout the year.
In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Saint Croix. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint Croix averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
It's quite rainy in Saint Croix. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Saint Croixin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Saint Croix 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint Croix in the Winter?
Both Saint Croix and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Croix because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Saint Croixin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint Croix fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Saint Croixin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Saint Croix 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint Croix in the Spring?
Both Saint Croix and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Croix year-round.
Christchurch is much colder than Saint Croix in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Saint Croix fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Saint Croixin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint Croix receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Saint Croix 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Croix and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Saint Croix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.