Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Sihanoukville?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sihanoukville or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sihanoukville or Christchurch? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sihanoukville or Christchurch?
Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville, also known by locals as Kompong Som, was named after King Sihanouk. Also Cambodia's youngest city, construction started in 1955 to build Cambodia's first and only deep water port so that ships would no longer have to go through the Mekong Delta in order to trade with Cambodia. Today, many visit Sihanoukville as a hub to visit Cambodia's islands.
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 Bicycle Tours in Cambodia, The Best Adventure Tours to Cambodia, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
-
Sihanoukville Prices
Cambodia PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySihanoukville $65Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Sihanoukville is $65, 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 Sihanoukville and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSihanoukville $23Christchurch $49
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSihanoukville $46Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Sihanoukville and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Sihanoukville 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sihanoukville $14Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sihanoukville
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sihanoukville:
- Convenient Taxi Transfers from Sihanoukville to Kampot: $36
- Private Shuttle Transfer From Sihanoukville - Phnom Penh: $57
- Private Taxi Transfer From Kampot - Phnom Penh City: $46
- Private Taxi Transfer Sihanoukville - Battambang Car - Mini-Van: $107
- Private Transfer From Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh: $35
- Private Transfer in Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh by Alphard 2010: $180
- Private Transfer to/from Battambang - Sihanoukville: $115
- Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Battambang: $290
- Sihanoukville Airport Transfers: $25
- Sihanoukville International Airport Transfers: $23
- Sihanoukville To Phnom Penh Private Transfer Mini-Van-Car: $65
- Private Taxi Transfer to Kampot: $224
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
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- 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 Sihanoukville or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Sihanoukville 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
-
Food Meals for one daySihanoukville $32Christchurch $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sihanoukville
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sihanoukville.
- Cooking class in Kampot: $20
- Sihanoukville - Khmer Traditional Cooking Class: $110
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sihanoukville $5.37Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Sihanoukville
Here are a few actual costs in Sihanoukville for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tuktuk Countryside tour: Pepper farm, Salt field & Secret lake: $18
- Kampot Tour Pepper Plantation, Salt Field, Cave, Secret Lake: $21
- La Plantation tour (discovering Kampot Pepper) + Lunch: $21
- Half day tour with countryside include Pepper farm Kampot : $22
- Kampot Countryside Tour - Pepper Farm, Salt Lake, Caves, and more: $25
- Full day Tour, Countryside, Pepper farm & Kep, crab market...: $25
- SUP Tour in Mangrove Forest of Koh Rong Sanloem: $28
- Bokor Mountain Adventure - History, Sights and Waterfalls: $29
- Kampot Day Tour "Bokor National Park": $29
- Half-Day Adventure to the Pepper Farm by Scooter: $30
- Full Day Pepper Farm Adventure by Scooter: $45
- Kampot Countryside & Kayak Tour, Pepper Farm include lunch : $46
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: $20
- 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: $57
- Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySihanoukville $4.42Christchurch $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: $108
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sihanoukville and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Sihanoukville much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sihanoukville 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 Sihanoukville would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sihanoukville 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 Sihanoukville.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sihanoukville Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sihanoukville or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sihanoukville. When comparing the sizes of Sihanoukville 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.