Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Xiamen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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: Xiamen or Christchurch?
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXiamen $64Christchurch $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, 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 Xiamen and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXiamen $30Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXiamen $60Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Xiamen 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xiamen $5.98Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
- Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Village: $115
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
- Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Private Transfer to Local Railway Station : $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport CHC to Lyttelton Port: $29
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $79
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $65
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Van: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Xiamen 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 dayXiamen $26Christchurch $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xiamen $16Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Xiamen Private English Tour Guide Service: $93
- Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
- Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
- Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
- Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
- Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
- Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
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 Return Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo from Christchurch: $182
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $950
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $152
- Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $206
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $252
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $235
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $231
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $191
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXiamen $17Christchurch $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
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $127
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xiamen and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Xiamen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xiamen 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 Xiamen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xiamen 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 Xiamen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xiamen Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Christchurch?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen 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 Xiamen 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 Xiamen has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Xiamen or Christchurch in the Summer?
Both Christchurch and Xiamen during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Christchurchin January. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. Xiamen usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryXiamen 30°C (86°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Christchurch in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Christchurch. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Xiamen is much warmer than Christchurch in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in April.
In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Christchurchin April. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilXiamen 25°C (77°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Christchurch in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Christchurch. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Christchurch averages at about 6°C (43°F)in July.
Xiamen usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyXiamen 14°C (58°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Xiamen or Christchurch in the Spring?
Both Christchurch and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In April, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Christchurchin October. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Xiamen. In April, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberXiamen 20°C (69°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Xiamen
| Xiamen | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (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.