Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Pokhara?
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 Pokhara 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 Pokhara and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pokhara or Christchurch?
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Pokhara Prices
Nepal PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPokhara $22Christchurch $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Pokhara is $22, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $118. 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 Pokhara and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPokhara $3.43Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPokhara $6.86Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Pokhara and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Pokhara 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: Pokhara Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pokhara $6.70Christchurch $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- "Exclusive Private Transfer: Pokhara to Chitwan in a Luxury car": $82
- Bandipur to Kathmandu Private Car Service | Best Private Transfer: $70
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Pokhara to Chitwan: $66
- From 4-Day Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $130
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $250
- From Private Car Transfer To Chitwan: $59
- Half Day Pokhara White Water River Rafting with Hotel Transfers: $70
- Intercity transfer by private car all over Nepal: $54
- Pokhara ↔️ Kathmandu: VIP Luxury Sofa Bus Transfer (Rainbow): $16
- Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
- Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
- Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer by Private Car: $99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Airport Transfer in Christchurch Luxury Chauffeur Experience: $70
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $134
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $111
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $98
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Luxury Van: $117
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Christchurch by SUV: $68
- Private Departure Transfer: Central Christchurch to Christchurch Airport: $297
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $185
Is it cheaper to fly into Pokhara or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Pokhara 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 dayPokhara $12Christchurch $53
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two$3.95
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Dessert (for 2)$2.63
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Pastries$1.32
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Dinner$5.59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
- 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
- Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- Thakali food Cooking Class in Pokhara: $50
- Nepali Cooking Class in Pokhara with a Local Family: $60
- 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
- Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River: $98
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pokhara $6.38Christchurch $18
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sarangkot Sunrise with Half or Full-Day City Tour: $7.47
- From Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $7.84
- Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas: Tour 3 hour private tour: $9.16
- Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $9.52
- Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $9.52
- Paragliding, Bungy Jump and Zipline Combo Adventure: $10
- City Sightseeing Group Budget Bus Tour: $10
- City Sightseeing Group Bus Tour: $10
- Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Group Joining Tour: $10
- Peace Pagoda Sunset, Annapurna Mountain Views Tour: $11
- Pokhara to Chitwan Sauraha Tourist Bus Sofa seater: $11
- Full-Day Sharing Bus Tour on 7 Iconic Destination: $11
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park: $18
- 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: $27
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Discover Christchurch Sightseeing Tour: $56
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
- Māori Waka Experience in Christchurch - 75 minutes: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPokhara $5.76Christchurch $11
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: $113
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $225
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pokhara and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pokhara 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 Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pokhara Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pokhara or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Pokhara 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.