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

Should you visit Koh Samet or Christchurch?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet or Christchurch, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Koh Samet or Christchurch?

Koh Samet

The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Christchurch, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Samet is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samet experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Christchurch this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Christchurch during summer. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Christchurchin January. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Christchurch. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Koh Samet is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Samet in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

In the autumn, Koh Samet often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin April. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun.

Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in October than Christchurchin April. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In January, Koh Samet is generally much warmer than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 25°C (77°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during winter. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Christchurchin July. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Samet or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Koh Samet during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Koh Samet is much warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the spring, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin October. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun.

Koh Samet usually gets more rain in April than Christchurchin October. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Koh Samet