Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Antalya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Should I visit Antalya or Ankara? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Turkey, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Antalya is $139, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $110. 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 Antalya and Ankara in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Antalya or Ankara? 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.
Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
Prices for flights to both Ankara and Antalya 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.
For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Ankara, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Ankara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Ankara Expensive?.
Ankara has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Ankara, 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.