Is it Expensive to Visit Istanbul?

Editor Istanbul

Oct 21 876 read

Is it Expensive to Visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is a well-known European vacation destination for visitors from all over the globe. When compared to other major European metropolises, Istanbul is also a low-cost destination. "How Much Does It Cost to Visit Istanbul?" "How costly is Istanbul?" "Daily average expenses to visit Istanbul?" "Is it expensive to eat out?" "How much should I spend per day for Istanbul?" are just a few of the questions we've answered here. On our guide, you'll find all the information you need to plan your budget for your trip to Istanbul, including typical costs for flights, lodging, restaurants, beverages, transportation, internet, phone, and must-see sites.

Is Istanbul an Expensive Destination?

Istanbul is not too costly when compared to many other major cities across the globe especially in Europe. It is more costly than other EU locations such as Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria. In the 2020 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Istanbul was rated 156th out of 209 cities across the globe (was 154th over 208 cities in 2019).

The Cost of Living Survey compares the prices of more than 200 items, including housing, transportation, food, clothes, household products, entertainment, and other expenses. As a result, it provides you a starting point for making comparisons with other important cities across the globe. Flights to Istanbul vary depending on where you fly from and when you visit. If you do a fast search, you'll discover flights to Istanbul for about €250-350 from the European Union, £175-325 from the United Kingdom, $500-750 from the United States, and CAD 850-1400 from Canada.

The short answer is no. Istanbul is not too costly! Many attractions in the city, such as museums and historical sites, are inexpensive to visit.

Istanbul Travel Tips

The most expensive months to fly are June and July. You can get the greatest prices if you travel to Istanbul during low season, which starts in late November and lasts through the summer. However, regardless of whatever nation you travel from, a stopover may help you save money on your trip. You can save about $150 by having a multiple-hour layover, but only if you intend to go to that stopover nation.

Istanbul's Living Costs

The cost of lodging varies depending on which area you are in and how distant you are from the city center. However, staying near the city's major tourist areas and neighborhoods, where you can readily discover all kinds of bargains, would be preferable. If you're just in Istanbul for a few days and want to party, see the sights, and meet new people, you may book a hostel room or a bed in a shared room in the city center.

For two people, a hotel in Istanbul would cost about € 20 per night. A mid-range hotel for two people would cost about € 50 per night. If you rent an apartment, you will have to pay month to month, and the average monthly price will be in the same region as the average monthly price. A good one bedroom apartment in Istanbul's city center costs € 275 per month, while a three bedroom apartment costs € 500 per month.

Finally, assuming a touristy vacation to Istanbul, € 500 for 10 nights / € 350 for 1 week (for 2 people) in a mid-range hotel in a tourist zone such as Sultanahmet, Taksim, or Galata would be a fair price. You’ll also find many historical places and vibrant life in these places.