Which place is cheaper, Cusco 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 Cusco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Cusco? 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 Cusco?
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.
Cusco
Cusco is most famous as the historic capital of the Inca Empire. It is in the southern Sierras and is one of the most popular travel destinations within Peru. The city is located at 3,400 meters above sea level so it is best to acclimate yourself slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
Cusco is the starting point for many travelers making their way to the famed Machu Picchu or other Inca sites in the surrounding area.
The city is very beautiful and has impressive architecture throughout. The history is obvious as you walk around town and there are impressive ruins nearby, with the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman. The city also has a significant indigenous population that is obvious from their traditional clothing and style.
Cusco has a subtropical highland climate with a pleasant daytime temperature year around. There are two distinct seasons with the dry season being between May and August and the wet season between December and March. During the dry season there is plenty of sun with occasional nighttime freezes. Frost is less common in the wet season.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Cusco, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Cusco.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesCusco Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Cusco $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Cusco is $64. 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 Cusco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Cusco $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Cusco $48
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Cusco
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Cusco? 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 Cusco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Cusco $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $129
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $129
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
- Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cusco
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cusco:
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Taxi Ride$1.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cusco
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cusco:
- Airport Cusco Transfers: $69
- Airport Transfer (Private Service): $25
- Assistance & Transfers Included | Hassle-free service in Cusco: $30
- Cusco Airport Arrival Transfer: $9.50
- Cusco Airport Pick-Up (Private Transfer to your Cusco Hotel).: $16
- Cusco Airport Pickup and Private Transfer: $12
- Cusco Airport Pickup and Transfer: $9.00
- Cusco Airport Private Departure Transfer: $18
- Cusco Airport Private Transfer with large Van: $45
- Cusco Private Airport Transfer: Fast, Reliable Hotel Drop-Off: $20
- Cusco Private Transfer to Poroy Railway Station: $15
- Alpaca and Llama Farm Tour with Transfer & Weaving Demo: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Cusco?
Prices for flights to both Cusco 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 $53Cusco $24
Typical Food Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of dining costs in Cusco are as follows:
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Sandwich$2.29
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Mango$0.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cusco
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cusco.
- Cooking Class Lomo Saltado Pisco Sour y Papa a la Huancaina: $40
- Cusco Billingual Cooking Class at 12:00: $40
- Cusco Tunupa Restaurant Folk Show with Dinner : $49
- Pete's Peruvian Cooking Class: $52
- Market Tour & Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class in Cusco: $55
- Cusco Cooking Classes and San Pedro Market Tour: $55
- Peruvian Cooking Class and Local Market in Cusco: $59
- Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market in Cusco: $59
- Peruvian Cooking Class in Sacred Valley: $59
- Cooking Class in Ollantaytambo: $68
- Best Cusco walking tour: dinner street food tasting: $74
- The 10 Tastings of Cusco With Locals: Private Food Tour : $90
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Cusco $31
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
- International Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket: $44
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $45
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $45
- Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River: $46
- Waka Paddling Experience on the Avon River: $57
- Tram, Punt and Gondola Ride Combo Ticket: $66
- Christchurch Sightseeing Pass: $68
- Ĺtautahi Meander Walking Tour with Tastings: $84
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cusco
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cusco are as follows:
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Salsa Class$2.87
Tours and Activities in Cusco
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cusco are as follows:
- Free Walking tour in Cusco : $4.00
- Cusco Walking tour and Koricancha Temple of the inkas tour: $10
- Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary Admission Ticket: $10
- City Tour - Lugares destacado en Cusco + Experiencia Fotográfica: $12
- From City Tour Including Sacsayhuamán and Tambomachay: $14
- City tour in Cusco.: $14
- City tour Cusco Half day : $14
- Excursion to Moray & Maras - Salt Mines || Group tour ||: $15
- Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo: $15
- From Half Day City Tour : $15
- City Tour Half Day Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo: $15
- City Tour Cusco in Panoramic Bus Daily Departures: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Cusco $10
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: $113
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $113
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $116
- Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $134
- Waipara Valley Winery Tour Wine Tastings and Scenic Views: $166
Sample the Local Flavors in Cusco
Also in Cusco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Cusco Bar Hopping Experience : $19
- Cusco Pub Crawl: Bar Tour, Drinks And Club with no waiting lines: $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Cusco, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Cusco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Cusco 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 Cusco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cusco 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 Cusco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Cusco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Cusco?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Cusco. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Cusco, 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.