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

Should you visit Taiyuan or Christchurch?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Taiyuan and Christchurch. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Taiyuan or Christchurch?

Taiyuan

With sleek architectural designs and blossoming businesses, this metropolis is simply brimming with invigorating excitement and once-in-a-lifetime entertainment. Despite its glimmering skyscrapers and gorgeous fountains, Taiyuan, China has an extensive history of nearly 2,500 years. During ancient China, Taiyuan, or the "Dragon City," was a major military town. Presently, this city is now one of China's most important industrial cities, producing more than half of the national coal mining output. Taiyuan is both the capital and largest city of the Shanxi province of North China. It is bounded by mountains on three of its sides, allowing this great city to be surrounded by fantastic views of its landscape. Besides its economic significance, Taiyuan also achieves tourist significance due to its plethora of landmarks and sights. Some of these attractions include Jinci Temple, Forest Park, Mengshan Giant Buddha, and Shanxi Museum. Taiyuan is also celebrated internationally for holding their annual Shanxi Taiyuan International Folk Arts Festival, a celebration held in September that hosts exhibition of fine arts, painting, paper-cutting, sculpture, drama, acrobatic and the culture of costume. With such a great deal to do in such a limited window of time, it is best to make the most Taiyuan while you visit!

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 Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Taiyuan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Taiyuan is $106, 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 Taiyuan and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taiyuan $43
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taiyuan $86
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Taiyuan and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Taiyuan 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 Taiyuan


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.
    Taiyuan $48
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • 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
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Taiyuan or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Taiyuan 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
    Taiyuan $36
    Christchurch $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taiyuan $15
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Taiyuan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taiyuan.

  • Buddhist Caves, Jinci Temple & Ancient County Tour: $256

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
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $175
  • (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
  • 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $140
  • 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
  • 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
  • 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
  • Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $258
  • Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taiyuan $6.41
    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:

  • 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: $117
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


When comparing the travel costs between Taiyuan and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch 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 Taiyuan 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 Taiyuan Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taiyuan or Christchurch?

Taiyuan has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Taiyuan 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.