A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dar es Salaam vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Christchurch?

Dar es Salaam

Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.

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 Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Dar es Salaam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $493, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $117. 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 Dar es Salaam and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $452
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $904
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam 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.

Hotels in Dar es Salaam


Hotels in Christchurch


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: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $14
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel: $60
  • Private Layover Tour with Airport Transfer: $120
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $106
  • Transfer/Airport pick up and drop off: $192

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • 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
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Dar es Salaam 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
    Dar es Salaam $33
    Christchurch $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $34
  • Daressalaam city sightseeing private tour: $55
  • Private Tour to Jozani Forest Reserve Half-Day Guided Tour from Zanzibar: $90
  • The Best/Top Rated Cultural City Tour in Dar es Salaam : $90
  • Full Day Private Tour in Dar es Salaam City: $90
  • Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday: $97
  • Dar es Salaam City Walking tour - Explore the Life of the Local People!: $100
  • Stone Town & Spice Tour: $110
  • Bagamoyo Tour: $120
  • Dar es Salaam Guided City Experience (Shared Group): $130
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car): $140
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour: $150

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
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
  • (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
  • 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
  • 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
  • Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
  • Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
  • Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
  • Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $264

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.97
    Christchurch $11

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: $116
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Christchurch, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dar es Salaam is in Africa 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 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 Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Christchurch?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam 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 Dar es Salaam or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dar es Salaam experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Christchurch. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin January. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Christchurchin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Dar es Salaam during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Christchurchin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)