Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Christchurch can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Christchurch?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 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 dayHongcun $52Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, 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 Hongcun and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.Hongcun $12Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Hongcun 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 dayHongcun $19Christchurch $31
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.83
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Christchurch $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $62
- Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
- Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Christchurch $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
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hongcun 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 Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Hongcun or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Christchurch. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hongcun is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 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 JanuaryHongcun 29°C (85°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Christchurch. Additionally, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Hongcun is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
Hongcun usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 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 AprilHongcun 19°C (65°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hongcun is cooler than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 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 JulyHongcun 4°C (40°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In April, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 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 OctoberHongcun 17°C (62°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.