Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Mombasa?
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 Mombasa or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mombasa and Christchurch. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Mombasa or Christchurch?
Mombasa
Mombasa is a beautiful, large city on the eastern coast of Kenya, bordering the Indian Ocean. The city is famous for its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and diverse marine life. Mombasa experiences a tropical climate year round, meaning temperatures rarely drop below 70° Fahrenheit. The rainiest months of the year are April and May and the driest months are January and February. Temperatures tend to be more mild from May through October, usually in the 70's and 80's. Temperatures get much warmer from November through April, with daily averages reaching the high 90's.
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 Kenya, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Kenya, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Mombasa Prices
Kenya PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMombasa $80Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Mombasa is $80, 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 Mombasa and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMombasa $26Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMombasa $52Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Mombasa and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Mombasa 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: Mombasa Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mombasa $18Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mombasa
Also for Mombasa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- DianiBeach: Private Transfer from Airport or Railway Station: $70
- Mombasa Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $74
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer To Watamu Hotels: $114
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfer to Diani Beach: $81
- Mombasa Airport Private Transfers To Vipingo & Kilifi Hotels: $95
- Mombasa Airport Transfers : $129
- Mombasa Airport Transfers to Mtwapa: $130
- Mombasa Moi Airport (MBA) to Mombasa - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Private Day Tour of Mombasa City with Transfers: $104
- Private Transfer from Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA) to Mombasa City: $43
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City Hotels to Mombasa Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfer from Mombasa City to Moi Airport Mombasa (MBA): $43
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
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- 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 Mombasa or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Mombasa 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 dayMombasa $41Christchurch $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mombasa $18Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Mombasa
For Mombasa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Mombasa Guided City Tour Experience: $25
- Tusks, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Beach and City Tour: $30
- Mombasa city tour: $30
- Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa: $35
- Private Mombasa Food & Sightseeing Tour: $35
- Mombasa City Tour : $40
- Half day Mombasa City Tour: $42
- Haller Park Tour observing hippos, giraffes, birds, monkeys, crocs & others: $45
- Half-Day Scenic Bike Tour: $48
- Private Mombasa City Tour Watamu Diani and Malindi: $50
- Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus: $50
- Bus Tickets from Mombasa to Nairobi: $55
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: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
- Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $264
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMombasa $8.79Christchurch $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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mombasa and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Mombasa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mombasa is in Africa 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 Mombasa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mombasa 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 Mombasa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mombasa Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mombasa or Christchurch?
Mombasa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Mombasa 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 Mombasa or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mombasa experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Mombasa or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Mombasa during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Mombasa because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Mombasa is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Mombasa. In the summer, Mombasa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin January. Mombasa gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Mombasa gets 80 mm (3.1 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 JanuaryMombasa 24°C (75°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mombasa and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mombasa year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Mombasa is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mombasa in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.
In Mombasa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Mombasa gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Mombasa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Mombasa gets 100 mm (3.9 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 AprilMombasa 26°C (79°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Mombasa as well as Christchurch. Mombasa attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Mombasa is generally much warmer than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Mombasa average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mombasa this time of the year. In the winter, Mombasa often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Mombasa gets 283 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.
Mombasa usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Mombasa gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JulyMombasa 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Mombasa or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Mombasa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mombasa throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
Mombasa is much warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Mombasa averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mombasa. Mombasa usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Mombasa gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Mombasa. In April, Mombasa usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Mombasa gets 150 mm (5.9 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 OctoberMombasa 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Mombasa
| Mombasa | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.