A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Tainan City for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Christchurch or Tainan City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Christchurch or Tainan City? 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 Tainan City?

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.

Tainan City

The oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan was once the nation's capital during imperial times and is today famous for its temples and historic buildings which speak to this distant past. Additionally Tainan has become known for its lively night markets and fantastic snack foods available from a large concentrate of street vendors located throughout the city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Taiwan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Taiwan.


Which place is cheaper, Tainan City or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $102, while the average daily cost in Tainan City is $113. 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 Tainan City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $52
    Tainan City $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $104
    Tainan City $122
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Tainan City

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Tainan City? 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.

Hotels in Christchurch


Hotels in Tainan City


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 Tainan City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $15
    Tainan City $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $30
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $30
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Christchurch Airport to City Transfer : $54
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $60
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $67
  • Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $76
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Van: $93
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $110
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $110
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Tainan City?

Prices for flights to both Tainan City 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 day
    Christchurch $33
    Tainan City $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $19
    Tainan City $11

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: $22
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $27
  • International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $41
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $42
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $47
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $49
  • Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour with optional International Antarctic Center Admission: $57
  • Cruise Ship Day Christchurch Hop On Hop Off Tour: $63
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $70
  • Christchurch Sightseeing Pass: $73
  • Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $86
  • Christchurch City Top Spots Half Day Tour(Small Group Tour): $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $12
    Tainan City $5.88

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: $104
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $111
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $115
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $123
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $140
  • Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $551


When comparing the travel costs between Christchurch and Tainan City, we can see that Tainan City 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 Tainan City is in Asia, 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 Tainan City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Tainan City?

Tainan City has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Tainan City, 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.