Which place is cheaper, Bocas del Toro or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Bocas del Toro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Bocas del Toro? 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: Christchurch or Bocas del Toro?
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.
Bocas del Toro
The capital of the Bocas del Toro province, this city of the same name sits in the Caribbean West region of Panama. Bocas del Toro, or Bocas Town, is in the district of Bocas del Toro, which also includes the towns of Bastimentos, Cauchero, Punta Laurel, and Tierra Oscura. The district has a population of about 17,000 and covers a total area of 433.2 square kilometers, and the town has a population of about 13,000. The area is a tourist destination for its beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, and interesting culture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Panama.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesBocas del Toro Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Bocas del Toro $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Bocas del Toro is $96. 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 Christchurch and Bocas del Toro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Bocas del Toro $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Bocas del Toro $66
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Bocas del Toro
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Bocas del Toro? 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 and Bocas del Toro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Bocas del Toro $10
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
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bocas del Toro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bocas del Toro:
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Water Taxi$3.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bocas del Toro
Also for Bocas del Toro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Bocas del Toro to Puerto Viejo: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Bocas del Toro?
Prices for flights to both Bocas del Toro and Christchurch 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 dayChristchurch $53Bocas del Toro $47
Typical Food Prices in Bocas del Toro
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Bocas del Toro:
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Lunch$15
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Breakfast$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Bocas del Toro $21
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: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
- Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $264
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bocas del Toro
For Bocas del Toro, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Island Boat Tour$25
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Starfish Island Boat Trip$20
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Yoga Class$4.99
Tours and Activities in Bocas del Toro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bocas del Toro.
- Zapatilla Island Hopping Day Tour: $49
- Bioluminescence Tour - Bocas del Toro: $49
- Bioluminescence Snorkeling and Boat Experience at Bocas del Toro: $50
- Isla Colon Tour to Bird Island, Boca del Drago and Starfish Beach: $50
- Bocas del Toro Island Hopping Day Tour in Zapatilla Beach: $51
- From Isla Colon: Bocas del Toro Archipelago Boat Tour: $56
- Stand Up Paddle Board Experience in Bahia Honda Bocas del Toro: $60
- Speed Boat tour to Mangrove Point -Starfish Beach -Bocas del Drago and Birds Island: $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour, Wildlife, and Snorkeling in Bocas del Toro in Panama: $68
- Bocas Biodiversity: A Birds & Wildlife EcoTour Experience: $76
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Bocas del Toro $12
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: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Bocas del Toro, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Bocas del Toro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Bocas del Toro is in Central America, 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 Bocas del Toro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bocas del Toro 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 Bocas del Toro.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Bocas del Toro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Bocas del Toro?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bocas del Toro. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Bocas del Toro, 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 Christchurch or Bocas del Toro?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bocas del Toro experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Bocas del Toro in the Summer?
Both Bocas del Toro and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bocas del Toro year-round.
Christchurch is cooler than Bocas del Toro in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Bocas del Toroin July. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 124 hours of full sun.
Bocas del Toro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Bocas del Toroin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Bocas del Toro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Bocas del Toro. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Bocas del Toro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Bocas del Toro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bocas del Toro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in October.
Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bocas del Toro during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Bocas del Toro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 198 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Bocas del Toro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Bocas del Toro. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bocas del Toro throughout the year.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Bocas del Toroin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
In the winter, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Bocas del Toroin January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bocas del Toro receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bocas del Toro. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Bocas del Toroin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 319 mm (12.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Bocas del Toro 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Bocas del Toro in the Spring?
Both Bocas del Toro and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Bocas del Toro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Christchurch is much colder than Bocas del Toro in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bocas del Toro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives more sunshine than Bocas del Toro during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bocas del Toro receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bocas del Toro. In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Bocas del Toroin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bocas del Toro receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Bocas del Toro 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Bocas del Toro and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Bocas del Toro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 319 mm (12.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 193 mm (7.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 367 mm (14.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 402 mm (15.8 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.