Which place is cheaper, Temuco 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 Temuco?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch or Temuco? 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 Temuco?
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.
Temuco
Temuco is a large and modern city found 680 km south of Santiago. While the city is dynamic, it does not have any particular charm with the exception of being a great point of departure for many excursions around the lake region and the many national parks found in the surrounding area. Temuco is also well known for its Mapuche culture, a proud and rebellious community of around 20 000 in the area today, who has fought continuously against every invaders in the past.
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 Luxury Tours to Chile, and The Best Budget Tours to Chile.
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Christchurch Prices
New Zealand PricesTemuco Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $117Temuco $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $117, while the average daily cost in Temuco is $96. 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 Temuco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $49Temuco $44
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $98Temuco $88
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Temuco
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch or Temuco? 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 Temuco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $14Temuco $23
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Temuco
Also for Temuco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Resorts - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
- Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Pucon Thermal Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $167
- Transfer from Temuco Airport to Pucon: $140
- Transfers from or to Temuco - Araucanía Airport: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Christchurch or Temuco?
Prices for flights to both Temuco 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 $53Temuco $38
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $17Temuco $7.85
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 Temuco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Temuco.
- Tour Mapuche Community Araucanía: $592
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Temuco $5.13
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: $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 Temuco, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Temuco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch is in Pacific and Temuco 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 Temuco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Temuco 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 Temuco.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Christchurch Expensive? and Is Temuco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Temuco?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Temuco. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch and Temuco, 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 Temuco?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Christchurch or Temuco in the Summer?
Both Temuco and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Temuco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Christchurch in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Temuco averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In Temuco, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Temuco. Christchurch gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 290 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in January than Temuco. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Temuco 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Temuco in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Temuco. The autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In April, Christchurch is generally around the same temperature as Temuco. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°F), and Temuco fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Temuco during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 150 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Temuco. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Temuco 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Temuco in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Temuco. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
Christchurch is cooler than Temuco in the winter. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 6°C (43°F) in July, and Temuco fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the winter, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Temuco. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Temuco receives 78 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Temuco. Christchurch usually gets less rain in July than Temuco. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Temuco 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Temuco in the Spring?
Both Temuco and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Christchurch is around the same temperature as Temuco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Christchurch in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Temuco averages at about 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Temuco during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Temuco receives 193 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Temuco. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Temuco receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Temuco 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Temuco and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Temuco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.