Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Vientiane?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Vientiane or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vientiane 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: Vientiane or Christchurch?
Vientiane
You wouldn't expect the capital city to have such a relaxing environment, but in Vientiane, Laos you can sit back and take in the beautiful scenery without feeling pressure to see every little thing. With Vientiane, what you see is what you get.
While picturesque temples and markets line the streets, the city is still experiencing a successful building boom. Even the Presidential Palace has undergone some hefty renovations.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Laos, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Laos, 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 dayVientiane $15Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Vientiane is $15, 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 Vientiane and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVientiane $6.01Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVientiane $12Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Vientiane and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Vientiane 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: Vientiane Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vientiane $2.08Christchurch $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vientiane
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Vientiane are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$4.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vientiane
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vientiane:
- Private Transfer in Laos: $5.00
- Vientian Private Airport Transfer - Wattay Airport: $15
- Vientiane - Hanoi Sleeping Bus Transfer : $63
- Vientiane Airport Transfer: Wattay airport to hotel - Private transfer: $15
- Vientiane Private Airport and Hotel Transfers: $9.00
- Wattay Airport (VTE): Private Transfer to/from Vientiane: $29
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 Vientiane or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Vientiane 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 dayVientiane $6.32Christchurch $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vientiane
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vientiane.
- Private Evening Food Tour of Laos: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vientiane $3.54Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Vientiane
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vientiane are as follows:
- Vientiane ATV and Canopy Walking Experience: $48
- Vientiane Sky Luge and Roller Zipline Experience: $55
- From Hue: Hue to Vientiane Bus tickets: $62
- Half-Day Vientiane City Bike Tour: $67
- Vientiane Half-Day City Tour: $69
- Guided Vientiane City and Buddha Park Full-Day Tour: $81
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Vientiane: $82
- Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch: $88
- 2 Days Private Tour in Vientiane and Vang Vieng: $90
- Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park: $100
- Private Tour: Full-day Vientiane's Must-See Sights and River Sunset with Lunch: $101
- Private Tour: Half-day City Guided Tour of Vientiane: $113
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVientiane $2.35Christchurch $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 Vientiane and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Vientiane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vientiane 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 Vientiane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vientiane 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 Vientiane.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vientiane Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vientiane or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Vientiane. When comparing the sizes of Vientiane 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 Vientiane or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Vientiane experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Vientiane or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vientiane and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Vientiane year-round. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Vientiane is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vientiane in July average around 30°C (85°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. Vientiane usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Vientiane gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
Vientiane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Vientiane usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Vientiane gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryVientiane 30°C (85°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Vientiane as well as Christchurch. Vientiane attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Vientiane is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Vientiane average around 28°C (83°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vientiane this time of the year. In the autumn, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin April. Vientiane gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Vientiane gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilVientiane 28°C (83°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Vientiane are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Vientiane throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
Vientiane is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Vientiane averages around 24°C (75°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vientiane. Vientiane usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Vientiane gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Vientiane usually receives less rain than Christchurchin July. Vientiane gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyVientiane 24°C (75°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Vientiane or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Vientiane during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Vientiane because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.
The heat can be very extreme in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vientiane in April average around 31°C (88°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vientiane. In the spring, Vientiane often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin October. Vientiane gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.
Vientiane usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Vientiane gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberVientiane 31°C (88°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Vientiane
| Vientiane | Christchurch | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 30°C (87°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 273 mm (10.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.