Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Harbin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Harbin 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 Harbin and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Harbin or Christchurch?
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHarbin $54Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Harbin is $54, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $95. 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 Harbin and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHarbin $21Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHarbin $42Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Harbin and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Harbin 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.Harbin $1.49Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $29
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $79
- 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: $65
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Van: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Harbin or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Harbin 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 dayHarbin $14Christchurch $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Harbin $52Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Small Group Tour to Harbin Siberian Park Tiger: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Songhua River Boat Tour and Food Experience in Harbin: $230
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
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 Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch: $182
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $950
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $152
- Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $206
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $252
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $235
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $231
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $191
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHarbin $7.83Christchurch $11
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: $100
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $127
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Harbin and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Harbin 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 Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Harbin Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Harbin or Christchurch?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Harbin 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 Harbin 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 Harbin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Harbin or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Harbin during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Harbin is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. Harbin usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Harbin gets 153 mm (6 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 JanuaryHarbin 24°C (75°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Harbin and Christchurch. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the autumn, Harbin is much colder than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Harbin in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.
In October, Harbin usually receives less rain than Christchurchin April. Harbin gets 23 mm (0.9 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 AprilHarbin 7°C (44°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Harbin as well as Christchurch. Additionally, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Harbin in the winter. In January, Harbin is generally much colder than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Harbin average around -18°C (-0°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Harbin usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Harbin gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JulyHarbin -18°C (-0°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Harbin or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Harbin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Harbin is much colder than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Harbin averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
In April, Harbin usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Harbin gets 21 mm (0.8 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 OctoberHarbin 8°C (46°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Harbin
| Harbin | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -14°C (7°F) | 5 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.