Which place is cheaper, Saint John 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 John?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint John? 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 John?
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 John
With the popularity of the Caribbean rising, many islands have become touristy and expensive – but not St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At only nine miles long and five miles wide, St. John is the smallest of the Virgin Islands, and, many argue, the prettiest. It's the kind of place that has maintained it's cultural identity, but still welcomes visitors from all over the world. With a population of just 5,000, the residents of St. John know everyone and everything happening on the island.
This island is perfect for people who want an undisturbed island getaway at any price. Between resorts and campgrounds there is a spot for everyone on St. John.
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 John Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Saint John $233
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Saint John is $233. 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 John in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Saint John $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Saint John $212
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Saint John
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Saint John? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Saint John $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Saint John?
Prices for flights to both Saint John 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 John $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Saint John $23
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 Saint John
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- St. John: A Private Island Adventure Tour & Trunk Bay Beach: $627
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Saint John $44
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Saint John, we can see that Saint John 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 John 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 John would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John 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 John Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch or Saint John?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Saint John experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint John in the Summer?
Both Saint John and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Christchurch is generally much colder than Saint Johnin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Saint Johnin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint John 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 John 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint John in the Autumn?
Both Saint John and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John year-round.
Christchurch is much colder than Saint John in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Saint John fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in October.
Saint John gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Saint Johnin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint John 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 John 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint John in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Saint John. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Saint John attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than Saint John. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint John averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Saint Johnin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Saint John 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 John 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Saint John in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Saint John. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John throughout the year.
In October, Christchurch is generally much colder than Saint Johnin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint John fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Saint Johnin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint John 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 John 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Saint John | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.