Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Dali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Dali or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dali and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dali or Christchurch?
Dali
Dali is a city in southern China with a long and glorious history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Xiaguan neighborhood of the city is the modern industrial center where most public transportation arrives; however, the Old Town of Dali is the place that draws the most visitors. Being one of China's ancient cities, Dali is said to have been a gateway to the Silk Road, and still attracts attention with its traditional architecture, beautiful scenery, ethnic cultures, and nightlife.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDali $49Christchurch $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Dali is $49, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $102. 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 Dali and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDali $17Christchurch $52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDali $34Christchurch $104
Compare Hotels in Dali and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Dali or Christchurch? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dali $9.45Christchurch $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dali
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dali:
-
Local Bus$0.43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dali
Also for Dali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dali Airport Chauffeur Service,Dali Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
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
- Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $76
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $60
- Christchurch Airport to City Transfer : $54
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $110
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Van: $93
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $110
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $133
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Dali or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Dali 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 dayDali $18Christchurch $33
Typical Food Prices in Dali
For Dali, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$4.54
-
Breakfast$3.55
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dali $18Christchurch $19
Tours and Activities in Dali
For Dali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Erhai Sightseeing in Dali: $129
- 1-Day Tie Dye Experience Tour in Dali: $160
- Private hiking tour to Cangshan Mountain from Dali: $175
- Private tour to Xizhou old town local market Erhai lake three Pagodas from Dali: $184
- Dali Private Tour to Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake : $186
- 1-Day Dali tour with the Daili old town, Xizhou Village and Three Pagodas: $195
- 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Dali to Lijiang and overnight in Shaxi old town: $205
- All inclusive Dali Erhai cruise three pagoda xizhou market: $210
- Private Customized Tour: Dali City Highlights in One Day: $213
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Dali: $213
- Private Day Tour: Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town: $217
- Dali Yunnan Local Market + Pottery Making Eco Tour: $220
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $27
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $190
- 6 Day South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland w/ Flight: $3,695
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $985
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $115
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $166
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $271
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $262
- Christchurch All in One Day tour: $216
- Christchurch All in One Day tour: $209
- Christchurch Canterbury Southern Alps Ski Tour #1: $2,463
- Christchurch Canterbury Southern Alps Ski Tour #2: $2,463
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayDali $11Christchurch $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: $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dali and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Dali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dali is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, 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 Dali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dali 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch than you might in Dali.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dali Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dali or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dali. When comparing the sizes of Dali and Christchurch, 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.
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.