Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi 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: Karachi or Christchurch?
Karachi
Karachi is the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh. It is the most populous city in Pakistan, and sixth most populous city proper in the world. Karachi, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is the financial and commercial center of the nation, as well as its largest port. The pace of life here is more hurried, and social attitudes are far more liberal than elsewhere in Pakistan. Locals call it the City of Lights, the City of The Quaid, and the City that Never Sleeps. The city credits its growth to the mixed populations of economic and political migrants along with refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins, who generally come to the city to settle permanently.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical 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 dayKarachi $26Christchurch $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, 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 Karachi and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Christchurch $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Christchurch $100
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Karachi 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: Karachi Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Christchurch $15
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: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Karachi 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 dayKarachi $11Christchurch $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Karachi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Karachi.
- Private Karachi Street Food Tour: $94
- Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner: $100
- Street Food Tour of Karachi: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Christchurch $18
Tours and Activities in Karachi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Karachi are as follows:
- Karachi City Tour : $129
- UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150
- Karachi Sightseeing Private tour: $159
- Full Day Private Tour in Karachi City: $162
- Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $196
- Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
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: $63
- 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: $114
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Christchurch $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 Karachi and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Karachi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Karachi 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 Karachi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karachi 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 Karachi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Karachi Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Christchurch?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Karachi 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 Karachi 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 Karachi has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Karachi or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Christchurch. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the summer, Karachi is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Christchurchin January. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 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 JanuaryKarachi 30°C (86°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Christchurch. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Karachi is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Christchurchin April. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karachi is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 JulyKarachi 19°C (66°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Karachi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin October. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Christchurchin October. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 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 OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Karachi
| Karachi | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.