A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Christchurch vs. Rosario for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Christchurch or Rosario?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Christchurch or Rosario? 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 Rosario?

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.

Rosario

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina. Located at the Parana river and known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, Rosario is the birthplace of the Argentinian flag as well as two of the nation's most famous icons, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center, which now has a vibrant cultural and night life. The abandoned buildings of the long riverbank have been converted into galleries, restaurants, skateparks and river beaches, which buzz with life in summer. Dynamic and confident without being showy, culturally rich and the best urban location to cool off in the boiling summers, Rosario is easily overlooked but not to be missed.

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 Tours for Seniors to Argentina, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Rosario or Christchurch?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Rosario is $62. 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 Rosario in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Christchurch $49
    Rosario $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Christchurch $98
    Rosario $94
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Rosario

Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Rosario? 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.

Hotels in Christchurch


Hotels in Rosario


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 Rosario Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Christchurch $14
    Rosario $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $129
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $129
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
  • CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Rosario?

Prices for flights to both Rosario 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 day
    Christchurch $53
    Rosario $6.59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Christchurch $17
    Rosario $27

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 Rosario

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rosario.

  • Newell's Old Boys Football Match and Messi Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Christchurch $11
    Rosario $7.54

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 Rosario, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Rosario much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Rosario 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 Rosario would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rosario 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 Rosario.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Rosario Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Rosario?

Rosario has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Rosario, 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.