Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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: Islamabad or Christchurch?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Christchurch $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $96. 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 Islamabad and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Christchurch $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Christchurch $100
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Christchurch $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- 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 Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Christchurch $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Christchurch $18
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration 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
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Christchurch $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: $102
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $120
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad 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 Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Christchurch?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 65% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad 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 Islamabad has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Islamabad or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Christchurch. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°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 Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin January. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 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 JanuaryIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Christchurchin April. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 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 AprilIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Islamabad is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 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 JulyIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Christchurch. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°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. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 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 OctoberIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.