Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Moshi?
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 Moshi or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Moshi 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: Moshi or Christchurch?
Moshi
Moshi is a town in northern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It’s known as a gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Trails run up the mountain's cloud-ringed, snow-capped dome, through alpine forests and meadows home to elephants and leopards. The noticeably clean capital of the densely populated Kilimanjaro region sits at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro and makes a good introduction to the splendors of the north. It's a low-key place with an appealing blend of African and Asian influences and a self-sufficient, prosperous feel, due in large part to its being the center of one of Tanzania's major coffee-growing regions. Virtually all visitors are here to climb Mt Kilimanjaro or to recover after having done so. Yet there’s much more to do, including cultural tours and hikes on the mountain’s lower slopes.
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 Wildlife Tours to Tanzania, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Tanzania, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Moshi Prices
Tanzania PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMoshi $89Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Moshi is $89, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $117. 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 Moshi and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMoshi $39Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMoshi $78Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Moshi and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Moshi or Christchurch? 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: Moshi Hotel Prices and Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Moshi $18Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Moshi
Also for Moshi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer From Kilimanjaro International Airport 7 Seater: $42
- Airport Transfer between Moshi and Kilimanjaro International Airport: $54
- Airport transfer: $45
- Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) Private Transfer to Mount Kilimanjaro: $78
- Kilimanjaro Airport Private Transfer from/to Moshi : $49
- Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer: $60
- Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to Moshi/Arusha: $107
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Transfer/Taxi Services: $53
- Private Kilimanjaro Airport Transfer to or from Tanzania: $55
- Private Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $86
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $86
- Private Transfer from Christchurch Airport (CHC) to Akaroa Port: $188
- Private Arrival Transfer: Christchurch Airport to Central Christchurch: $298
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $94
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
- Christchurch Airport(CHC) to Christchurch-Arrival PrivateTransfer: $48
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $129
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $129
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport (CHC) Private Transfer to Christchurch: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Moshi or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Moshi 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 dayMoshi $36Christchurch $53
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Moshi
For Moshi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Kili View Tanzanian Cooking Class: $26
- Private Market Tour and Tanzanian Cooking Class in Moshi: $86
- 3 Days Chaga Culture: Cooking, NGO Projects, Banana Beer, Hiking: $207
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Moshi $20Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Moshi
For Moshi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Moshi sunset experience : $20
- City tour and local food : $20
- Private guided tour to the night lifestyle of Moshi town: $30
- Materuni Waterfall Hike + Coffee tour and chemka Hot Spring : $30
- Moshi city tour : $30
- Day Tour Around Moshi Town in Tanzania: $33
- Materuni Waterfall , Coffee Tour and Hotsprings (Chemka): $40
- Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Plantation Half Day Tour: $40
- 1-Day Moshi Villages bike tour: $50
- Bodaboda Experience to Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour : $52
- Marangu & Chagga - Cultural Day Tour form Moshi: $59
- Chemka Hot Springs Tour from Moshi: $59
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMoshi $3.59Christchurch $11
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 Moshi and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Moshi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Moshi is in Africa and Christchurch is in Pacific, 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 Moshi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Moshi 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 Moshi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Moshi Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Moshi or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Moshi. When comparing the sizes of Moshi and Christchurch, 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.
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.