Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Lijiang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Lijiang 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 Lijiang and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Lijiang or Christchurch?
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
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 from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly 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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Lijiang Prices
China PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLijiang $55Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Lijiang is $55, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $117. 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 Lijiang and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLijiang $16Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLijiang $32Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Lijiang and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Lijiang 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.Lijiang $5.67Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali : $149
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Dali and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Lijiang or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Lijiang 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 dayLijiang $30Christchurch $53
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lijiang $20Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Via Ferrata with Zipline Experience in Lijiang: $42
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
- Lijiang to Shangri-La Scenic Drive Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge: $119
- Tiger Leaping Gorge Private Hiking Tour: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
- 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
- Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
- Private Jade Dragon Snow Mountains and Naxi Village Tour: $187
- 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
- Lijiang Day Tour to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Black Dragon Pool and Old Town: $193
- Private Day Tour Tiger Leaping Gorge and Black Dragon Pond from Lijiang: $207
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
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 & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $175
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $140
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $258
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLijiang $7.98Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $117
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lijiang and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Lijiang 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 Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lijiang Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lijiang or Christchurch?
Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Lijiang 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.
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.