Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Surat Thani?
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 Surat Thani or Christchurch?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Christchurch can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Christchurch?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesChristchurch Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Christchurch $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, 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 Surat Thani and Christchurch in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Christchurch $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Christchurch
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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: Christchurch Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Christchurch $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
- Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
- Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
- Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
- CHC Airport to Downtown|Hotel Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Christchurch?
Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $28Christchurch $53
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.72Christchurch $17
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $22
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $32
- Pig Island Koh Taen Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat from Koh Samui: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $65
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $65
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
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
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
- (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $173
- (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
- 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $173
- 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
- Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $255
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $238
- Arthur’s Pass Day Tour From Christchurch With TranzAlpine: $264
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Christchurch $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: $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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani is in Asia 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 Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 363930 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Christchurch in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Christchurch. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Christchurch in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Surat Thani is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Christchurch averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
Surat Thani receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Christchurch 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Christchurch in the Autumn?
Both Christchurch and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Christchurchin April. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Christchurch in the Winter?
Both Christchurch and Surat Thani during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Surat Thani is much warmer than Christchurch in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F)in July.
Surat Thani usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Christchurch 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Christchurch in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Christchurch. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.
In the spring, Surat Thani is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.
In April, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Christchurch 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Christchurch and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Christchurch | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.