A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Amman vs. Istanbul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Amman or Istanbul?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Amman and Istanbul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Amman or Istanbul?

Amman

Amman is the largest city in of the Hashemite Kingdom of the country of Jordan. It is also the capital city of Jordan and has a population of over four million people. Many people use Amman as a base for venturing out into the rest of Jordan and other surrounding countries. There are many things to see and do in Amman.

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

Which city is cheaper, Istanbul or Amman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Amman is $88, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $43. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Amman and Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Amman $39
    Istanbul $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Amman $78
    Istanbul $52
Compare Hotels in Amman and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Amman or Istanbul? 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.

Hotels in Amman


Hotels in Istanbul


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: Amman Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Amman $19
    Istanbul $2.50
Typical Local Transportation prices in Amman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amman:


  • Bus Ride (for Two)
    $0.70
  • RIde to Airport
    $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amman

Also for Amman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Amman Airport Transfer (From/To Amman- Private Car & Mini Van): $19
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Amman Airport to Hotel: $24
  • Transfer From Airport To Amman: $24
  • Airport transfer, Amman, Jordan: $25
  • Airport Transfer, Pick-up and Drop-off: $25
  • Amman Airport Private Departure Transfer: $27
  • Amman Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Amman Airport to Amman Hotel: $28
  • Petra Private Transfer to/from Amman or Airport or Dead Sea or K.H.B: $35
  • Transfer from Amman Airport to Dead Sea Hotels or vise versa: $38
  • Amman Airport transfer from/to Deadsea or Amman hotels: $40
  • Private Airport Transfer: $40

Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.15
  • Local Bus
    $0.16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • İstanbul Private Airport Transfer: $19
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer: $45
  • istanbul airport transfer-sabiha gokcen airport transfer-vip transfer: $28
  • istanbul airport cheapest vip transfer by private car: $14
  • istanbul airport & sabiha gokcen airport transfer by private car: $30
  • VIP Transfer Services for Airports, Hotels or Other Location: $80
  • VIP Airport Transfer and Shuttle: $62
  • VIP Airport Transfer: $56
  • Turkish Bath in Istanbul with transfer: $199
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Istanbul Old City to Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $57
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Istanbul Old City to Istanbul Airport: $51
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Istanbul Old City to Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Amman or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Amman 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Amman $27
    Istanbul $11
Typical Food prices in Amman

For Amman, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Pastries
    $4.23
  • Tea
    $5.64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amman

For Amman, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant in Amman: $51
  • Amman City Tour & Food Tour Combo: $69
  • Private Panoramic Tour of Amman with Lunch or Dinner: $71
  • Private Kan Zaman Lunch or Dinner from Amman: $76
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Amman: $90
  • Half Day Cooking Class in Amman: $96
  • Downtown Amman by Night (Dinner Included): $123
  • Contemporary Amman by Night (Dinner Included): $155
  • Romantic Dinner for Two in Amman: $160

Typical Food prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.11
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.03
  • Dessert
    $0.45
  • Pastries
    $0.08

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $29
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer: $34
  • Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ): $35
  • Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive): $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul: $37
  • Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner: $37
  • Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus: $38
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show: $39
  • Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Sema Ceremony: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Amman $25
    Istanbul $16

Tours and Activities in Amman

For Amman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discover the hidden gems of Amman's Rainbow street on an audio walking tour: $5.00
  • Private Full-Day Petra Tour with Lunch from Amman: $19
  • Half Day Amman Private City Tour: $22
  • Half Day Private Tour to Iraq al-Amir (Qasr al-‘Abed) and Abo Jaber Caves: $25
  • Half Day Private Tour to Iraq al-Amir (Qasr al-‘Abed): $25
  • Half Day Private Tour To Dead Sea: $26
  • JR The Wine Experience: $27
  • Amman Private City Tour: $29
  • Exceptional "Jordanian Hennah" Experience In Amman: $37
  • Private Dead Sea Cheap Tour ! Half Day From Amman: $39
  • Citadel, Amphitheatre, Rainbow Street, Famous mosques, ALL in Amman Private Tour: $40
  • Jerash & Amman City Tour Day Trip from Amman: $41

Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $1.06
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $1.06
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.53
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $1.59

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • 1 Day - Istanbul Tour: $315
  • 1 Day Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour From Istanbul: $300
  • 1 Day Istanbul & Ephesus Tour By Plane - YK230: $419
  • 1 Day Regular Cappadocia Tour by Plane - YK0011: $384
  • 1 Day Tour - Sapanca: $300
  • 1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour: $496
  • 1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Travel from Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour: $509
  • 1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Trip from/to Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour: $513
  • 1 Night 1 Day Trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour: $490
  • 1 Night 2 Days Cappadocia Trip from/to Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour: $521
  • 1 Night 2 Days Ephesus, Kusadasi, Hierapolis & Pamukkale Tour from/to Istanbul: $372
  • 1 Night Cappadocia Trip with Hot Air Balloon Tour: $525

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Amman $11
    Istanbul $3.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Amman

Also in Amman, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting Experience: $24
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour In Amman: $64

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul: $427

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amman and Istanbul, we can see that Amman is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Amman is in Middle East and Istanbul is in Europe, 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 Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Amman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amman than you might in Istanbul.


When is the best time to visit Amman or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Amman experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Amman or Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amman as well as Istanbul. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Amman is generally around the same temperature as Istanbul. Temperatures in Amman average around 25°C (77°F), and Istanbul stays around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amman this time of the year. In the summer, Amman often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Amman gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Amman usually gets less rain in July than Istanbul. Amman gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Amman 25°C (77°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Amman or Istanbul in the Autumn?

Both Istanbul and Amman are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Amman throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Amman is a little warmer than Istanbul in the autumn. The temperature in Amman is usually 20°C (68°F) in October, and Istanbul stays around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Amman gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amman usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Amman gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Amman 20°C (68°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Amman or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Amman during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Amman because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the winter, Amman is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amman in January are around 8°C (46°F), and Istanbul is about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Amman often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Amman gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Amman. Amman usually gets more rain in January than Istanbul. Amman gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Amman 8°C (46°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Amman or Istanbul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amman and Istanbul. Amman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Furthermore, many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Amman is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Temperatures in Amman average around 16°C (61°F), and Istanbul stays around 13°C (55°F).

In Amman, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amman usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Amman gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Amman usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Amman gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Amman 16°C (61°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Amman

Amman Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)


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Amman vs. Istanbul Travel Comparison

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