Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Nairobi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Nairobi or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nairobi and Christchurch can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Nairobi or Christchurch?
Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya's capital as well as the country's largest city. With a population of about 3 million, it is also one of the largest cities in Africa. It is a prominent city both politically and financially within the region. There are many international companies that are located in Nairobi and the Nairobi Securities and Exchange is one of the largest in Africa.
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 Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
-
Nairobi Prices
Kenya PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $68Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $68, 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 Nairobi and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $12Christchurch $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $24Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi 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: Nairobi Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $11Christchurch $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
-
Taxi from Airport$9.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers: $40
- Airport Transfers in Nairobi City: $70
- Airport VIP Transfers - Nairobi Hotels: $55
- Beyond Boundaries Tours and Transfers: $30
- From JKIA Airport Nairobi Private Transfer in a Car 3 Pax Max: $35
- From Wilson Airport Nairobi Private Transfer in a Car 3 Pax: $30
- Hotel, Airport Transfers in Nairobi: $45
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Private Transfer: $27
- Museum of Illusion Nairobi Experience with Transfers: $75
- Mwashi Airport Transfer & Taxi: $27
- Nairobi Airport One Way Private Transfer: $27
- Nairobi Airport One Way Transfers: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $132
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $185
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $132
- Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $299
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Christchurch by SUV: $69
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Luxury Van: $111
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch International Airport To/From City Center Transfer: $30
- Christchurch INTL Airport Car Transfer to City max 4 persons: $71
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $47
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $105
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $127
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Nairobi 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
-
Food Meals for one dayNairobi $13Christchurch $52
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner for Two$5.02
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kenyan Cooking Class & Authentic Dining Experience with a Local: $40
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $55
- Popular Kenyan Food Cooking Class and Local Market Experience: $60
- Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
- Private Kenyan Cooking Class in Nairobi with a Local: $76
- Safari Park dinner with live band music and cat dance show.: $90
- Dinner Experience with Cat Show at Safari Park Hotel: $90
- Safari Park Dinner with Safari Cats Dance Show: $97
- The Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner with transport: $97
- Safari Cat Dancers Show And Dinner: $100
- Nairobi National Park Afternoon Game Drive/ Dinner Carnivore Restaurant: $100
- Barbecue Lunch/ Dinner At The Carnivore Restaurant - Nairobi: $100
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $46Christchurch $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Village Visit$15
Tours and Activities in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fashion African Fabric & Souvenir Market Tour: $12
- Kibera Slum Cultural and Community Walking Tour: $15
- Ankara Fabric Shopping and Same Day Tailoring Experience: $17
- Nairobi Matatu Culture Experience: $18
- Nairobi City Tour +Pickup: $19
- Nairobi Walking City Tour +pick-up: $20
- Kibera Community Tour with Local Guide MC Dawn: $20
- Nairobi City Walk Tour +pickup: $22
- Nairobi History and Modern Culture Walking Tour: $22
- Kibera Chocolate City Tour: $22
- Kibera Slum Compassionate Walking Experience 3 Hours: $23
- Cultural Discovery Tour of Unfiltered Mathare: $24
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $239
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $239
- (MT) Mount Cook Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch: $239
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $155
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch & Lyttelton: $119
- Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch Return: $158
- Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch with Scenic Harbour Views: $179
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $161
- Akaroa Private Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $230
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $16Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Nairobi
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nairobi:
- Food and Wine Tasting Experience at Five Senses Restaurant: $155
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: $114
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Nairobi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nairobi 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 Nairobi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nairobi 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 Nairobi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or Christchurch?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi 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.