Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Christchurch. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Christchurch?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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 Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, 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 Hangzhou and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.Hangzhou $8.24Christchurch $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- 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
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Hangzhou 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 dayHangzhou $31Christchurch $53
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $45
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
- Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $21
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $58
- Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Christchurch $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: $117
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Christchurch?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Hangzhou or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Hangzhou is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Christchurch. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Christchurch. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.