Which place is cheaper, Kaikoura or Xigatse?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xigatse or Kaikoura?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xigatse and Kaikoura 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: Xigatse or Kaikoura?
Xigatse
The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island, situated between Christchurch and Belnheim. It has a permanent resident population of 1,971. The Seaward Kaikoura Mountains that surround this town collide with the Pacific Ocean, and the continental shelf edge is just offshore. The ocean in Kaikoura is very rich in marine life, especially seals and whales.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXigatse $61Kaikoura $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $61, while the average daily cost in Kaikoura is $135. 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 Xigatse and Kaikoura in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXigatse $28Kaikoura $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXigatse $56Kaikoura $96
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Kaikoura
Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Kaikoura? 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: Kaikoura Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xigatse $12Kaikoura $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Kaikoura?
Prices for flights to both Kaikoura and Xigatse 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 dayXigatse $24Kaikoura $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xigatse $14Kaikoura $152
Tours and Activities in Kaikoura
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaikoura are as follows:
- Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour: $81
- 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura : $237
- 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura : $222
- Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura: $97
- Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $238
- Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch: $211
- 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour: $624
- Guided Family Kayaking Adventure: $89
- Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour: $89
- Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour: $71
- Whale Watching Cruise: $98
- Wildlife Kayaking Tour at Sunset: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXigatse $3.15Kaikoura -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xigatse and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Xigatse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Xigatse is in Asia and Kaikoura 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 Xigatse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xigatse 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Xigatse.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xigatse Expensive? and Is Kaikoura Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Kaikoura?
Xigatse has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Kaikoura, 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.
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.