Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Dalian?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dalian or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Dalian or Christchurch? 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: Dalian or Christchurch?
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
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 The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDalian $105Christchurch $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Dalian is $105, 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 Dalian and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDalian $55Christchurch $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDalian $110Christchurch $104
Compare Hotels in Dalian and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Dalian 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dalian $41Christchurch $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $135
- Executive Sedan Airport Transfer(Pickup Airport to Hotel/Residence) Christchurch: $77
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $68
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $60
- Christchurch Airport to City Transfer : $55
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $31
Is it cheaper to fly into Dalian or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Dalian 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 dayDalian $28Christchurch $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dalian $4.88Christchurch $19
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
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: $193
- 6 Day South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland w/ Flight: $3,804
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $1,014
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $116
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $161
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $274
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $250
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With Jet boat Ride : $232
- Castle Hill: Kura Tawhiti - Guided Tour from Christchurch: $257
- Christchurch All in One Day tour: $216
- Christchurch All in One Day tour: $219
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDalian $6.44Christchurch $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: $107
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $113
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $116
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $127
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $142
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $567
When comparing the travel costs between Dalian and Christchurch, we can see that Dalian 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 Dalian is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, 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 Dalian Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dalian or Christchurch?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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.
When is the best time to visit Dalian or Christchurch?
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 Dalian has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Dalian or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Christchurch. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In July, Dalian is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryDalian 24°C (75°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Dalian is a little warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Christchurchin April. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilDalian 15°C (58°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Dalian during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyDalian -4°C (25°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Dalian or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Christchurch. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In April, Dalian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Christchurchin October. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberDalian 11°C (51°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Dalian
| Dalian | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.