Which place is cheaper, David 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 David?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or David? 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 David?
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.
David
In the Pacific West of Panama, David is the capital city of Chiriqui province. The city's population of almost 150,000 is among the wealthiest in the country. There is a well established middle class and unemployment remains low in the area. The area has grown rapidly in recent years with growing commercial and banking sectors. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan American Highway.
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 Panama City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Panama City.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesDavid Prices
Panama Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117David $39
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in David is $39. 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 David in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49David $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98David $24
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and David
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or David? 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 David Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14David $12
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or David?
Prices for flights to both David 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 $53David $17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17David $4.37
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11David -
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and David, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is David much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and David 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 David would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in David 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 David.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is David Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or David?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of David. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and David, 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.