Which place is cheaper, Cuenca 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 Cuenca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
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 Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Cuenca $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- 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
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $53Cuenca $26
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Cuenca $16
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Ticket: $20
- Scenic Chairlift Ride at Christchurch Adventure Park: $20
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram: $23
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- Christchurch Mystery Puzzle Tour “Shadow of the Prism”: $29
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
- Uniquely Kiwi Landsailing Adventure: $59
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Wonderful Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Cuenca $14
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 Cuenca, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Cuenca is in South 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Cuenca?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Christchurch is cooler than Cuenca in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in July.
In January, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Cuencain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cuenca in the Autumn?
Both Cuenca and Christchurch during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
In the autumn, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Cuenca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Cuenca averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in April than Cuencain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Cuenca. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cuenca. In July, Christchurch is generally a little warmer than Cuencain January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Cuencain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Cuenca in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Cuenca. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Christchurch is a little warmer than Cuenca in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in April.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in October than Cuencain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.