Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Ankara?
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 Ankara or Seoul?
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 Ankara and Seoul. 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: Ankara or Seoul?
Ankara
Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Ankara Prices
Turkey PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAnkara $92Seoul $133
The average daily cost (per person) in Ankara is $92, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $133. 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 Ankara and Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAnkara $37Seoul $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAnkara $74Seoul $112
Compare Hotels in Ankara and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Ankara or Seoul? 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: Ankara Hotel Prices and Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ankara $24Seoul $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
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Metro Ride$0.03
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Short Taxi Ride$0.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Private Transfer Ankara Esenboga Airport ESB to Keçiören Ankara: $40
- Private Airport Transfer From/To Ankara Airport to Cankaya Hotels: $40
- Ankara Airport & Hotel Transfers: $40
- Ankara Airport Transfer Meet Transfer: $49
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $51
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $51
- Ankara Esenboga Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $55
- Ankara Airport Transfer: Ankara by Private Luxury Vehicle: $62
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $69
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $109
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $109
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.72
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Short Taxi Ride$5.21
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Metro Ride$1.01
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Gimpo Airport GMP Private Transfer To From Seoul Hotels: $87
- Gimpo Airport to Seoul /Seoul to GMP Private Transfer (1-7pax): $74
- Incheon Airport Transfer service pick up drop off Seoul ~7 Pax: $89
- Incheon Airport transfer directly to Seoul city: $113
- Incheon International Airport (ICN): Private Seoul Transfer: $95
- Premium Seoul Airport Transfer: Affordable & Convenience: $105
- Private Airport Transfer * Incheon Airport Seoul (1-5 people): $104
- Private Airport Transfer : Incheon to/from Seoul (up to 7 pax): $98
- Private Airport Transfer From Incheon Airport To Seoul(up to 12): $190
- Private Airport Transfer from/to Incheon International Airport.: $199
- Private Airport Transfer:Seoul City Incheon ⇄ ICN Airport: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Ankara or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul and Ankara 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 dayAnkara $37Seoul $53
Typical Food Prices in Ankara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
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A Quick Lunch$0.23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ankara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ankara.
- Sustainable Home Cooking Class in Ankara: $89
- Home Cooking Class, Sustainable Tables & Stories: $104
- Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class at Local Home with Family: $291
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.47
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Waffle$0.74
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Dippin' Dots$1.49
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Chicken Fried Rice$4.09
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Chicken Stick$1.49
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.41
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Lunch Buffet$4.47
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Donut$0.74
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Mushroom Burger$3.87
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.46
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Udon & Sushi$5.21
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Fresh Burger$3.57
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.35
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.72
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Fried Rice$4.09
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Vietnamese Dinner$7.07
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$7.07
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Donut$1.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals; Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $56
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- North Korean Cooking Class with Defector: Food & Personal Stories: $60
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
- Incheon Full-Day Sunset and Sea Food Tour: $65
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $66
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $67
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ankara $22Seoul $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Underground City$0.16
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Atakule Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $13
- Secrets of Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $23
- Ankara Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Local: $27
- Ankara Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $33
- Ankara Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $33
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $34
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $35
- Ankara Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $40
- Women-Only Turkish Home Dining Experience: $104
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.96
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Movie Ticket$5.96
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Kimchi Museum$2.23
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Web Guide and Room Escape Tour Ticket: $7.30
- Seoul Walking Tour 3h30 and 19 audio reviews: $7.73
- Youngjaegugakhoe The Concert of Korean Music Prodigies Ticket: $9.30
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- [Seoul] Football Faentasium Admission Ticket (내국인 불가): $10
- Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul Walking Tour with Audioguide: $11
- Insadong Running Man Themed Activity Experience Center: $13
- K-Beauty Scalp Spa Experience in Hongdae: $14
- Traditional Tea Experience Class in Seoul: $14
- Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- bukchon Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAnkara $9.91Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Discover Makgeolli: Inside Seoul's Hidden Urban Brewery: $11
- The Seoul Pub Crawl Official: $22
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $48
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Itaewon Premium Pub Crawl with VIP Bottle Service: $57
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ankara and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Ankara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ankara is in Europe and Seoul is in Asia, 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 Ankara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ankara 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Ankara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ankara Expensive? and Is Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ankara or Seoul?
Seoul has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ankara. When comparing the sizes of Ankara and Seoul, 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.