A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Johor Bahru vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Johor Bahru or Christchurch?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Johor Bahru or Christchurch? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Johor Bahru or Christchurch?

Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Johor Bahru?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Johor Bahru $36
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Johor Bahru $72
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Johor Bahru and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru


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: Johor Bahru Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Johor Bahru $11
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:

  • *Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Car Transfer: $94
  • *Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Singapore Van Transfer: $38
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $99
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Ipoh Transfer [Van]: $115
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Car]: $266
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $89
  • Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Malacca Transfer [Car]: $150
  • Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $105
  • Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
  • Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $103
  • Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $125
  • Johor Bharu to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237

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 Johor Bahru or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Johor Bahru 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
    Johor Bahru $8.39
    Christchurch $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Johor Bahru

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Johor Bahru.

  • City Lights Cruise with Buffet Dinner + Free flow Wine & Beer: $192
  • Dog Cruise with 5-Course Seated Dinner: $222
  • Sunset Sail Cruise with 5 Course Seated Dinner: $222

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Johor Bahru $6.89
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Johor Bahru

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:

  • Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $4.30
  • Laser Battle Experience in Johor Bahru: $7.06
  • HeadRock VR Admission Ticket: $11
  • Singapore: Wings of Time Entry Ticket: $13
  • Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $18
  • Sentosa: HydroDash Singapore Entry Ticket: $20
  • Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
  • Sailing along Straits of Johor: Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
  • Malaysia: Legoland Entry Ticket: $22
  • Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
  • Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Singapore: $22
  • Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Ticket: $23

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Johor Bahru $4.49
    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:

  • 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 Johor Bahru and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Johor Bahru Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Johor Bahru or Christchurch?

Johor Bahru has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Johor Bahru 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.