Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Cairo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Cairo or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Istanbul 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: Cairo or Istanbul?
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCairo $17Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $17, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $126. 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 Cairo and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCairo $9.36Istanbul $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCairo $19Istanbul $94
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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.
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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cairo $2.99Istanbul $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Private Departure Transfer from Cairo or Giza Hotels to Cairo Airport: $5.00
- Private Transfer from Hotels in Cairo to Cairo Airport : $8.00
- Airport and Hotel Private Transfer in Cairo & Giza: $9.00
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Novotel Cairo El Borg: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Hotel Longchamps to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Cairo Pyramids Hotel: $9.60
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Windsor Hotel Cairo: $9.60
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Osiris Hotel: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Hilton Cairo Heliopolis to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from InterContinental Cairo Citystars to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Cairo Pyramids Hotel to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Pickup transfer from Novotel Cairo El Borg to Cairo airport: $9.60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry$0.09
-
Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
- Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Private Transfer Service: $35
- 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $74
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $34
- Airport transfer Istanbul: $48
- Arrival & Departure Private Transfer in Istanbul: $43
- Arrival Private Transfer from New Airport IST to Istanbul City in Van: $67
- Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car: $54
- Best VIP Istanbul Luxury Transfer: $66
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
- Departure Private Transfer from Istanbul City to New Airport IST in Van: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Cairo 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 dayCairo $4.75Istanbul $31
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
-
Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Night Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show on The Nile With Pickup: $8.00
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $12
- Super Safari Quad Bike Jeep Safari Buggy and Dinner in Hurghada: $15
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $18
- VIP tour Giza pyramids ,Sphinx, Quad bike ,Camel, Dinner cruise : $19
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, Quad Bike, Night and Dinner Cruise on Nile: $19
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
- All inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & ATV &Dinner cruise : $20
- Private Cairo Food Tour : $20
- Cairo Private Food Tour and Egyptian Tea: $22
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice$0.06
-
Turkish Delight$0.02
-
Dessert$0.26
-
Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
- Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
- Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $30
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cairo $5.75Istanbul $79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.49
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.26
- The Baron Empain Palace Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Perfume, Bazar Cotton Shop : $4.70
- All Inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
- New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
- Shopping tour Private Papyrus Perfume, Bazar Cotton Shop in Cairo: $5.00
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.11
- Entry Ticket to the Prince Mohamed Ali Palace : $5.38
- Wonder Tour To Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure Pyramids and Great Sphinx : $5.61
- Skip The Line To Coptic Museum of Cairo Entry Ticket: $5.83
- Skip The Line with Memphis Museum Entry Ticket: $6.67
- Private Tour Shopping in Cairo by Car and Guide: $7.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
-
Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
-
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
-
Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.32
- Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.32
- Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.32
- Self Guided City Audio Tour of Istanbul: $5.46
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.38
- Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.09
- Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.77
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $9.58
- Self Guided Virtual Tour of Hagia Sophia The Highlights: $9.82
- The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayCairo $1.17Istanbul $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $59
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $45
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $840
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo is in Africa 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cairo Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cairo or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Cairo. When comparing the sizes of Cairo and Istanbul, 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 Cairo or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Cairo or Istanbul in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cairo and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Cairo is a little warmer than Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during summer. Cairo gets 350 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Cairo usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyCairo 28°C (82°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cairo as well as Istanbul. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the autumn, Cairo is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In the autumn, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCairo 23°C (73°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Istanbul in the Winter?
Both Istanbul and Cairo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Cairo is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. Cairo usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Cairo usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCairo 14°C (57°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Cairo or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul and Cairo during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Cairo is much warmer than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the spring, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.
Cairo usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilCairo 21°C (70°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Cairo
| Cairo | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.