A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Christchurch for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Perth 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 Perth and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Christchurch

Christchurch is a cultural, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Perth and Christchurch: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Christchurch?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Christchurch than Perth. While Perth is larger than Christchurch, Christchurch has more sights and attractions for tourists. Christchurch is very popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Perth attracts visitors for its beaches. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Christchurch is famous for its outdoor beauty and relaxing, scenic atmosphere. It is also well known for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

How is Perth different from Christchurch?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Christchurch and Perth. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Christchurch?

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Perth or Christchurch.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Christchurch can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with street art and local galleries. There's also Canterbury Museum, the International Antarctic Centre, the Arts Centre, and the Riccarton House & Bush.

Is the Food Better in Perth or Christchurch? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Christchurch is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Christchurch. There's a mix of cozy cafes and casual eateries around town. You'll also find some fine dining restaurants as well as international flavors.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Nightlife?

Christchurch is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Christchurch for the nightlife scene. The city has its share of dance clubs, live music venues, and laid back bars. You'll find a number of popular hangout spots around Oxford Terrace or on the historic New Regent Street.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Beaches?

Perth is terrific for the beache. Also, Christchurch is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Perth. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Christchurch is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are sandy beaches in the area with water sports and various amenities. The summer months are the most popular time for hanging out at the beach, and you'll find local families playing in the sun or enjoying a picnic.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Hiking?

Christchurch is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Christchurch for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes in the area that take you along the coastline or past local historic sights. The landscape is diverse and you'll find many amazing parks in the area. Hooker Valley Track is one of the best hiking routes nearby.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Christchurch?

Christchurch is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Christchurch. There's a mix of boutique shops, outlet malls, and open air markets. Some of the best shopping places include the Tannery and the Colombo.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Families?

Christchurch is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Christchurch is one of the most popular family destinations. The International Antarctic Centre is a thrilling and fun experience. There's also the Orana Wildlife Park or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. For adrenaline junkies there are the ropes courses at the Adrenalin Forest. There are also many indoor playgrounds and rock climbing facilities.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Couples?

Christchurch is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Christchurch is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Punting on the Avon River is one of the most romantic activities in the city. There are also botanical gardens, parks, and natural areas that are fun to explore. Nearby, you can do a wine tour, or there are cocktail bars and charming restaurants in town. The city also has a nice theater and many other date night activities.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Christchurch is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Christchurch is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels around town, and many backpackers pass through Christchurch on their epic New Zealand adventure.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Students?

Christchurch is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Christchurch is very popular with students. It's the largest city on the South Island and there are plenty of activities and nearby trips that you can enjoy.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Is Perth or Christchurch Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth and Christchurch both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Christchurch has a few public transit options. While it's not a diverse transit system, the buses are well connected and offer the cheapest way to get around town.

Is Perth or Christchurch a more walkable city?

Christchurch is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Christchurch is very walkable. The city center is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Christchurch Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Christchurch or Perth?

How long in Perth or Christchurch?

It's fun to spend time in either Perth or Christchurch. In our opinion, Christchurch has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Christchurch than Perth. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Christchurch than Perth. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Christchurch, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Christchurch than Perth. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Christchurch that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Christchurch than Perth if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Christchurch.

One day in Perth or Christchurch?

In Perth, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxed city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Christchurch, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Christchurch?

Perth is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Christchurch. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Christchurch?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the easy-going destination of Perth. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Christchurch is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Christchurch. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Christchurch?

Perth is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of Christchurch. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Christchurch, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Perth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Perth 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 Perth Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Perth or Christchurch?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Perth 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 Perth or Christchurch?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Perth or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Perth as well as Christchurch. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Perth is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Perth in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the summer, Perth often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in January than Christchurch. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In April, Perth is generally much warmer than Christchurch. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 19°C (67°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Perth usually receives less rain than Christchurch. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Perth or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Perth during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Perth is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Perth often gets more sunshine than Christchurch. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually gets more rain in July than Christchurch. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Christchurch. Many travelers come to Perth for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Perth is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Perth in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Perth usually receives more rain than Christchurch. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Perth