Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Moscow?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Moscow 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 Moscow 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: Moscow or Christchurch?
Moscow
Moscow is the capital of Russia and is notable for its important role in history. It's a very sprawling city with many museums and fascinating buildings. Ten percent of Russia's population lives in this capital city and it's a financial and political center for the country. The Moskva River weaves its way through the city and you will find most of the city's sights and attractions on the northern side of the river.
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 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 dayMoscow $63Christchurch $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Moscow is $63, 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 Moscow and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoscow $40Christchurch $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoscow $80Christchurch $100
Compare Hotels in Moscow and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Moscow 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.Moscow $6.18Christchurch $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Moscow
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Moscow are as follows:
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Two Metro Passes$1.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moscow
Also for Moscow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from 8 ILIR to Palembang Airport (PLM): $93
- Private Transfer from Balai Batu Sadara to Padang Airport (PDG): $168
- Private Transfer from Batusangkar to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Cinta Raja to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Delima to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Harjosari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kampung Baru to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Kedungsari to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $40
- Private Transfer from Labuh Baru Barat to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $43
- Private Transfer from Meranti Pandak to Pekanbaru Airport (PKU): $44
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sikucur to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
- Private Transfer from Nagari Sungai Asam to Padang Airport (PDG): $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Moscow or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Moscow 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 dayMoscow $14Christchurch $31
Typical Food Prices in Moscow
For Moscow, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$6.00
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Lunch in the Center Market$3.27
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Breakfast for 2$11
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moscow $16Christchurch $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Moscow
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Moscow's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Theater Tickets$13
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Kremlin Entry (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Moscow
For Moscow, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Days Private Tour to See Bull Race and Raflesia Arnoldi Flower: $250
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
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoscow $7.94Christchurch $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 Moscow and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Moscow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moscow is in Europe 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 Moscow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moscow 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 Moscow.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moscow Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moscow or Christchurch?
Moscow has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Moscow 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 Moscow 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 Moscow has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Moscow or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Moscow during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Moscow is around the same temperature as Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Moscow in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
Moscow usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Moscow gets 92 mm (3.6 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 JanuaryMoscow 19°C (67°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Moscow and Christchurch. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Moscow is generally much colder than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Moscow average around 6°C (43°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In October, Moscow usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Moscow gets 58 mm (2.3 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 AprilMoscow 6°C (43°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Moscow as well as Christchurch. Additionally, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Moscow can get quite cold in the winter. Moscow is much colder than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Moscow averages around -8°C (17°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.
Moscow usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Moscow gets 45 mm (1.8 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 JulyMoscow -8°C (17°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Moscow or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Moscow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Moscow is much colder than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Moscow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In April, Moscow usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Moscow gets 40 mm (1.6 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 OctoberMoscow 7°C (45°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Moscow
| Moscow | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -8°C (17°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (20°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | -1°C (30°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (67°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 6°C (43°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | -0°C (32°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | -5°C (23°F) | 52 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.