Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Toronto?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Toronto? 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 Toronto?
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.
Toronto
The capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a very popular travel destination for any number of reasons. It's positioned along the coast of Lake Ontario and has a population of more than 2.6 million with 6.2 million in the Greater Toronto Area. It's a very international and diverse city, with a very rich cultural history. More than half of the city's population was not born in Canada, and there are more than eighty different ethnic neighborhoods sprinkled throughout the city. The city is a center for music, theater, film, and television. It has countless museums, festivals, and sights that attract more than 25 million tourists every year.
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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Toronto $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, while the average daily cost in Toronto is $205. 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 Toronto in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Toronto $86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Toronto $172
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Toronto
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Toronto? 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 Toronto Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Toronto $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:
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Airport Shuttle$27
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Train: 2 Day Passes$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto
Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury Van: $157
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls in Business Car: $293
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toronto YYZ Airport to Toronto City by SUV or Minibus: $76
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Luxury SUV: $174
- Arrival Transfer: Pearson Airport YYZ to Toronto in Sedan Car: $152
- Convenient bus transfer between Hamilton Airport and Toronto: $3.65
- Departure Private Transfer Toronto City to Toronto Airport YYZ by SUV or Minibus: $66
- Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Car: $152
- Departure Private Transfer: Toronto to Pearson Airport YYZ in Luxury Van: $133
- Hamilton to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Niagara Falls Guided 9 Hour Day Trip with Round-trip Transfer: $74
- One Way: from/to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) - Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Toronto?
Prices for flights to both Toronto 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 $31Toronto $66
Typical Food Prices in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two$23
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Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)$56
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto
For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Must Do Toronto Food Tour: $66
- Toronto Food Tour: Taste the World in Kensington Market: $66
- 3–Hour Secret Food Tour: $73
- Toronto Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $74
- Scenic Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $76
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Kensington Market -Toronto's Neighborhood International Food Tour: $80
- Toronto's Fusion Food Tour: $80
- Father's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $90
- Mother's Day Premier Cruise with Brunch or Dinner: $93
- Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $109
- Toronto Food Tour with Local Foodie, Personalized & Private: $152
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Toronto $31
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Art Gallery of Ontario for Two$15
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CN Tower at night for Two$36
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Harbour Dinner Cruise$26
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Bata Shoe Museum (2)$7.32
Tours and Activities in Toronto
For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore Niagara Falls with bus ticket from/to Toronto: $3.65
- Downtown City Landmarks Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.31
- Downtown Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- Graffiti in Toronto Walking Tour: $4.46
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $5.12
- Kensington Market: Downtown Toronto Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Between Huntsville and Smartphone Audio Tour: $6.21
- Toronto's Waterfront: Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.21
- Explore Canada's Metropolis with Walking Tours Through Toronto: $6.68
- Best of Toronto and Waterfront Self-Guided Tour: $8.08
- Bata Shoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Uncover Quebec's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Toronto $22
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 Toronto
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:
- Distillery District Outdoor Escape Game: $8.07
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $17
- Corktown and Distillery District Tour: $27
- Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
- Toronto : Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $38
- Toronto Distillery District self-guided walking tour & hunt: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $38
- Pub Crawl Toronto: $39
- Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $41
- Craft Brewery Tour: $88
- Canadian Wine Tasting Experience: $128
- From Niagara Wine Tours: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Toronto, we can see that Toronto 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 Toronto is in North America, 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto 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 Toronto Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Toronto?
Toronto has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Toronto, 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 Toronto?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Toronto has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Christchurch or Toronto in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Toronto. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Christchurch is generally cooler than Torontoin July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toronto. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Torontoin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Torontoin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Toronto 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Toronto in the Autumn?
Both Toronto and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Christchurch is a little warmer than Toronto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in October.
Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Toronto during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Torontoin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Toronto 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Toronto in the Winter?
Both Toronto and Christchurch during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Toronto in the winter. In the winter, Christchurch is much warmer than Toronto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°F), and Toronto averages at about -4°C (25°F)in January.
In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Torontoin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Torontoin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Toronto -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Toronto in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Toronto. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In October, Christchurch is generally much warmer than Torontoin April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Toronto during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Torontoin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Toronto 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Toronto and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Toronto | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 75 mm (2.9 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.