Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Manila?
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 Manila 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 Manila and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Christchurch?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
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 in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, 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 Manila and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Manila and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Manila 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Manila 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 dayManila $31Christchurch $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
- Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
- Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Christchurch $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: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Manila is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Christchurch?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Manila 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 Manila or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manila or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 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 JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Manila or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Christchurch. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
Manila is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 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 AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Manila or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 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 JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Manila or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Manila during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Christchurchin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 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 OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Manila
| Manila | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (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.