A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Suzhou vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Suzhou or Christchurch?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Suzhou and Christchurch can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Suzhou or Christchurch?

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Suzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $101, 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 Suzhou and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $38
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $76
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou 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.

Hotels in Suzhou


Hotels in Christchurch


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.
    Suzhou $57
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
  • Private Day Tour: Suzhou Highlights with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
  • Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Suzhou 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 day
    Suzhou $32
    Christchurch $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.32
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
  • Private Tour of Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road: $144

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $21
  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
  • International Antarctic Center General Admission Ticket: $36
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
  • Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $47
  • Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $62
  • Waipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch: $75
  • Waipara Wine Experience for 2 or more, inc tastings and lunch: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center: $109
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.40
    Christchurch $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 comparing the travel costs between Suzhou and Christchurch, we can see that Suzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Suzhou is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Suzhou Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Christchurch?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou 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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Suzhou or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Christchurch. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Suzhou is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Suzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Suzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Suzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurch during summer. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Christchurch. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Suzhou is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 19°C (65°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Suzhou often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin April. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.

Suzhou usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Suzhou can be very cold during winter. Suzhou is cooler than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.

Suzhou usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Suzhou usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Suzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In the spring, Suzhou is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Suzhou in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Christchurchin October. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Suzhou

Suzhou Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)