Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Penang?
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 Penang 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 Penang 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: Penang or Christchurch?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, 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 Penang and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Penang and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Penang 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: Penang Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Christchurch $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $33
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Penang 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 dayPenang $64Christchurch $53
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Christchurch $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.32
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.16
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
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: $21
- 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: $58
- Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Christchurch $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.90
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 Penang and Christchurch, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Christchurch.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang 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 Penang or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Penang or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 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 JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Penang is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 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 AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Penang or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
In January, Penang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Christchurchin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 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 JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Penang or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Christchurch. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin October. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 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 OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Penang
| Penang | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.