Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Montego Bay? 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 Montego Bay?
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.
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Montego Bay $255
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $255. 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 Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Montego Bay $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Montego Bay $200
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Montego Bay? 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 Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Montego Bay $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- Montego Bay Private Transfer with Airport Pickup and Dropoff : $20
- Shared Airport Transfer To Montego Bay Hotels: $55
- Airport Transfer Service In Montego bay: $95
- Brown Boss Private Airport Transfers: $20
- Club Mobay VIP Lounge Access and Round-Trip Airport Transfer: $113
- Eden Bay Private Airport Transfer: $50
- Excellence Oyster Bay Private Transfer: $40
- Excellence Resort Private Airport Transfer: $40
- Experience Jamaica Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $100
- Experience private Airport Transfer to Falmouth: $50
- From Kingston One Way Shared Transfer to Montego Bay Airport: $44
- Grand Palladium Resort Private Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay 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 $53Montego Bay $139
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $10
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica : $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Dinner Experience and Celebration on the Beach with Decorations : $158
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Montego Bay $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
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.63
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Snorkeling Trip$18
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$42
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- Explore the Beauty of Montego Bay Nature Tour in Jamaica: $30
- Luminous Lagoon Admission Tickets: $40
- Jet Car Experience/ clear kayak photo shoot in Montego Bay: $40
- Jamaica Bamboo Rafting Experience with Lime Stone Massage: $50
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- Montego Bay Sight Seeing with Tour Guide : $50
- Luminous Lagoon Night Tour from Montego Bay: $54
- Bamboo Rafting Adventure with Limestone Massage from Montego Bay: $55
- Montego Bay & Falmouth Hotels, Souvenir Shopping and sightseeing: $60
- Private Tour in Dunns River Falls: $60
- Luminous Lagoon Glow in the Dark Boat Tour from Montego Bay: $65
- Private Montego Bay Customized Tour with Pickup and Guide: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Montego Bay $13
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Christchurch much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Christchurch would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Christchurch 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay than you might in Christchurch.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Montego Bay?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Montego Bay experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Montego Bay. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Christchurch is much colder than Montego Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Montego Bayin July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Montego Bay. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Montego Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 27°C (81°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Montego Bayin October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Montego Bayin October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Montego Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montego Bayin January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Montego Bay in the Spring?
Both Montego Bay and Christchurch during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round.
Christchurch is much colder than Montego Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Montego Bayin April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Montego Bayin April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.