Which place is cheaper, Mendoza or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Christchurch or Mendoza?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Mendoza? 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 Mendoza?
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.
Mendoza
Mendoza is a city in western Argentina and more precisely in the desertic Cuyo region. Mendoza is the center of the Argentinian wine industry and is famed around the world for its vineyards and wine production. Spread across the valley of the Rio Mendoza and in the foothills of the Andean mountain range, Mendoza is also near the Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas. The bustling and scenic city of wide, leafy avenues, atmospheric plazas and cosmopolitan cafes spoils visitors with unique natural attractions and historical landmarks. If you can, visit Mendoza during the harvest festival at the end of February. There are many events and festivals in Mendoza and they are usually free. Each has a different theme, and they usually have a stage with singing and dancing and booths that sell food around a plaza. Seventy percent of Argentina's wines are produced here, and Mendoza is especially known for its world-famous malbecs.
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 Buenos Aires, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Argentina.
-
Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesMendoza Prices
Argentina Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Mendoza $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Mendoza is $56. 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 Mendoza in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Mendoza $43
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Mendoza $86
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Mendoza
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Mendoza? 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 Mendoza Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Mendoza $4.18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
- Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- 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
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mendoza
Also for Mendoza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 6-Seats Private Transfer in Mendoza with Personal Driver: $21
- Argentine BBQ Experience and Winery Visits.Transfer included: $195
- Catena Zapata and El Enemigo Wine Tasting with Private Transfer: $290
- Classic Wine Tour with Winery Roast. Private Transfer.: $220
- Departure Private Transfer Valle de Uco to Mendoza Airport MDZ : $103
- Distillery Gin + Lunch in Winery with Private Transfer.: $160
- Essential Wine and Lunch. Private Transfer: $100
- Luján de Cuyo/ Maipú Wineries. Full Day. Transfer.: $115
- MDZ Airport Private Transfer to Mendoza City Center: $22
- Mendoza Airport (MDZ) to Mendoza - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $67
- Mendoza Airport Departure Transfer: $34
- Mendoza Airport Shuttle Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Mendoza?
Prices for flights to both Mendoza 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
-
Food Meals for one dayChristchurch $53Mendoza $5.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Argentine BBQ on Terrace with Views. Dinner, Sunset.: $80
- Mendoza Cooking Experience with Unlimited Wine & Cocktails: $95
- Argentine Hands-On Cooking & Wine Experience in Mendoza: $95
- Bar Safari 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 Night with Full Dinner: $167
- Bar Safari: 4 Best Mendoza’s Bars in 1 night. + Full Dinner: $180
- Horseback Riding at Sunset and Dinner in Mendoza: $185
- Tango Show with Dinner at Hualta Winery Hotel: $190
- Full-Day Small-Group Mendoza Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $199
- City Tour with Dinner at a Local Restaurant: $200
- Winery Los Toneles + Dinner in Saffron Restó. Private transportation: $250
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Mendoza $23
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
- Hanmer Springs Pool Day Tour From Christchurch: $137
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $178
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $149
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $238
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $161
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
- Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $262
Tours and Activities in Mendoza
For Mendoza, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-guided bike tour of Maipu (Mendoza): $15
- Malbec Experience in Bodega Tierras Altas: $22
- Tour autoguiado en bicicleta por Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza): $23
- City tour with visit to General San Martin Park: $24
- City Tour of Mendoza: $25
- City Tour: $25
- Renacer Winery Experience: $25
- City Tour: $25
- Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Half-Day Tour: $34
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $34
- City Tour Mendoza Completo con Chocolatería y Cerro de la Gloria: $35
- Half-Day Sightseeing City Tour: $35
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Mendoza $5.94
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 Mendoza
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mendoza:
- Classic Wine Tasting: $44
- Premium Wine Tasting: $66
- Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings: $80
- Make an Argentine Asado BBQ w/ Local Host & Wine Tasting: $89
- El Enemigo and Casa Vigil Wine Tour: $93
- In Mendoza Wine Tours, Empanadas, and Olive Oil: $99
- Mendoza Private Wine Tour Paired Lunch and Olive Oil Tasting: $115
- Classic Wine Tour on a Budget. Lunch. Private Driver: $120
- Wine Tour with Lunch and Transport in Mendoza: $130
- Full Day Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch: $164
- Wine tasting region Uco Valley in Mendoza: $180
- Bike Tour at Zuccardi: Olive Oil, Wine Tasting & Lunch: $182
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Mendoza, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Mendoza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Mendoza 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 Mendoza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mendoza 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 Mendoza.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Mendoza Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Mendoza?
Mendoza has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Mendoza, 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.