Which place is cheaper, Ponce 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 Ponce?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Ponce? 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 Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
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 PricesPonce Prices
Puerto Rico Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Ponce $230
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Ponce $151
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Ponce $10
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 Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
- San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $53Ponce $61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
- Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Ponce $56
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 Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
- Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
- Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
- La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
- Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
- Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
- Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
- El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
- Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Ponce $16
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 Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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 Ponce 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Ponce?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ponce experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Christchurch or Ponce in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Ponce. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Christchurch is much colder than Ponce in the summer. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (83°F)in July.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during summer. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In January, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Poncein July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Ponce. 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 Ponce throughout the year.
In the autumn, Christchurch is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Christchurch in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (82°F)in October.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. In the autumn, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Poncein October. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ponce. Christchurch usually gets less rain in April than Poncein October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Ponce in the Winter?
Both Ponce 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 Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Christchurch is generally much colder than Poncein January. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 6°C (43°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Ponce. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Poncein January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce 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 Ponce year-round.
Christchurch is much colder than Ponce in the spring. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Ponce fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in April.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the spring, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Poncein April. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets less rain in October than Poncein April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.