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

Should you visit Tianjin or Christchurch?

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

Should I visit Tianjin 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: Tianjin or Christchurch?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in 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 Tianjin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $76, 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 Tianjin and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $34
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $68
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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 Tianjin


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.
    Tianjin $36
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Beijing: Private Roundtrip Transfer to Great Wall of China: $68
  • Binhai Airport Private Transfer to Tianjin Cruise Port: $80
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Airport: $280
  • Cruise Transfer from Tianjin Port to Beijing Hotels : $225
  • Cruise Transfer:Tianjin International Home Port to Beijing PEK or Daxing Airport: $118
  • One Way Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing with Guide: $216
  • Port Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Home Port to Beijing Hotels: $100
  • Private 1-Way Transfer Between Tianjin Port to Beijing: $138
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Any Tianjin Railway Station to City Hotel: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: Bejing City Hotel to Airport: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Tianjin 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
    Tianjin $20
    Christchurch $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $10
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

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

  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $151
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Hotel With the English Speaking Driver: $160
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Daxing Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $203
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
  • Tianjin Private Tour to Eastern Qing Tombs with Flexible Departure time: $237
  • Private Tianjin Day Tour to Huangyaguan Great Wall and Dule Temple: $238
  • Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $238
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tianjin and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Tianjin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tianjin 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 Tianjin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tianjin 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 Tianjin.

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


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Christchurch?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin 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 Tianjin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tianjin or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Christchurch. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In the summer, Tianjin is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the summer, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin January. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

Tianjin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tianjin is generally a little warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Christchurchin April. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Tianjin or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Tianjin during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. Tianjin is much colder than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the winter, Tianjin often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Christchurch. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Tianjin is a little warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Christchurchin October. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Tianjin

Tianjin Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)