Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Petra?
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 Petra 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 Petra and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Petra or Christchurch?
Petra
Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.
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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Petra Prices
Jordan PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPetra $153Christchurch $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $114. 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 Petra and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPetra $59Christchurch $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPetra $118Christchurch $94
Compare Hotels in Petra and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Petra 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: Petra Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Petra $23Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:
- Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
- Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
- From Eilat: Petra Full-Day Guided Tour with Transfers: $219
- Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
- Petra Private Transfer To Jerusalem: $290
- Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
- Petra to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
- Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
- Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $99
- Private Transfers from Petra Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $176
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport Transfer.(New Zealand): $22
- Christchurch INTL Airport Van Transfer to City Minimum 4 persons: $24
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch International Airport To/From City Center Transfer: $29
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- Christchurch Airport Private Transfer Arrival or Departure: $49
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Christchurch by SUV: $67
- Airport Transfer in Christchurch Luxury Chauffeur Experience: $70
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $84
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $110
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Luxury Van: $115
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $133
Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Petra 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 dayPetra $66Christchurch $51
Typical Food Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:
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Dinner for Two$12
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Juice$1.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Petra.
- Authentic Jordanian Cooking, Taste of Comfort With Family: $28
- Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
- Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Petra $47Christchurch $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:
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Entry to Petra for One$71
Tours and Activities in Petra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Petra are as follows:
- Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
- Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $60
- Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
- Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: Treasury, Siq & Ancient City: $75
- Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
- Private Multilingual Guided Tour in Petra: $90
- Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
- Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
- Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
- 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
- Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
- Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Quake Stories: $15
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
- Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $26
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $43
- 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
- Māori Waka Experience in Christchurch - 45 minutes: $46
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: $55
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPetra $15Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Christchurch Guided Walking Tour with optional Wine Tasting: $20
- Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $111
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour: $137
- Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $220
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Christchurch, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Petra or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Petra or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Petra can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Petra is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 33°C (91°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Christchurchin January. Petra gets 0 mm (0 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 JanuaryPetra 33°C (91°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Petra or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Petra as well as Christchurch. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
Petra is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 27°C (80°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Petra this time of the year. In the autumn, Petra often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in October than Christchurchin April. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 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 AprilPetra 27°C (80°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Petra or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Petra is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Petra in January average around 15°C (59°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Petra usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 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 JulyPetra 15°C (59°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Petra or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Petra during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Petra is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 25°C (76°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the spring, Petra often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin October. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.
Petra usually gets less rain in April than Christchurchin October. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 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 OctoberPetra 25°C (76°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Petra
| Petra | Christchurch | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 15°C (59°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (87°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (62°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.