Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Qingdao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Qingdao or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Christchurch, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Qingdao or Christchurch?
Qingdao
Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.
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 Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayQingdao $58Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $95. 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 Qingdao and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personQingdao $26Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomQingdao $52Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Qingdao 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: Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Qingdao $12Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Qingdao 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 dayQingdao $20Christchurch $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Qingdao $20Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Qingdao City tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $190
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
- Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
- Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
- Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $950
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $235
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayQingdao $14Christchurch $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $100
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Qingdao and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Qingdao 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 Qingdao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Qingdao 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 Qingdao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Qingdao Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Christchurch?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao 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 Qingdao or Christchurch?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Qingdao has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Qingdao or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Qingdao during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Qingdao is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Qingdao often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin January. Qingdao gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryQingdao 25°C (77°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Christchurch. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Qingdao is a little warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Qingdao gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Christchurchin April. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilQingdao 17°C (62°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Christchurch. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
In the winter, Qingdao often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Qingdao gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.
Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyQingdao -0°C (32°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Qingdao or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Qingdao is generally around the same temperature as Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. Qingdao usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Qingdao gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberQingdao 12°C (53°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Qingdao
| Qingdao | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.