Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Cappadocia?
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 Cappadocia or Ankara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cappadocia 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.
Where Should I go: Cappadocia or Ankara?
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, between the mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan. It is famous for its underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves. The landscape of the area is some of the most unique you'll ever see. The fairy chimneys are bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings that have evolved from the unique geography in the area. There are hiking trails through the series of valleys that make up the area. It's a great place to explore for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Antalya, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey.
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Cappadocia Prices
Turkey PricesAnkara Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCappadocia $126Ankara $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Cappadocia is $126, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $94. 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 Cappadocia and Ankara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCappadocia $35Ankara $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCappadocia $70Ankara $76
Compare Hotels in Cappadocia and Ankara
Looking for a hotel in Cappadocia 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cappadocia Hotel Prices and Ankara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cappadocia $34Ankara $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia
Also for Cappadocia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV Quad Bike Tour in Cappadocia (Sunrise/sunset + transfer): $24
- Airport Transfer (Kayseri - Nevsehir ) to Cappadocia Hotels: $17
- All-Inclusive Cappadocia Day Tour with Hotel & Airport Transfers: $105
- Cappadocia 2-Hour Sunset ATV Quad Tour with Hotel Transfer: $47
- Cappadocia 2-Hours Sunset ATV Quad Tour w/Free Hotel Transfer: $35
- Cappadocia ATV tour with transfer and guide: $13
- Cappadocia Airport Shuttle Transfer: $24
- Cappadocia Airport Transfer: $118
- Cappadocia Airport Transfer Private Service NAV ASR: $17
- Cappadocia Airport Transfer to/from Kayseri/Nevsehir (ASR or NAV): $14
- Cappadocia Airport Ultra Luxry Vip Transfer NAV: $46
- Cappadocia Flying Dress Photo Shoot with Transfer: $219
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 Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $112
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $112
- Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $69
- Ankara Airport Transfer: Ankara by Private Luxury Vehicle: $64
- Ankara Esenboga Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $55
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $53
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $53
- Private Airport Transfer From/To Ankara Airport to Cankaya Hotels: $41
- Ankara Airport & Hotel Transfers: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Cappadocia or Ankara?
Prices for flights to both Ankara and Cappadocia 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 dayCappadocia $57Ankara $38
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:
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Cookies$0.02
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cappadocia
For Cappadocia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cappadocia Turkish Night With Unlimited Drinks And Dinner: $40
- Cappadocia Traditional Turkish Night Show and Dinner: $47
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Drinks: $53
- Cappadocia From Traditional Cooking Class Course: $59
- Turkish Night Show In Cappadocia (with Dinner): $64
- Turkish Nights in Cappadocia Dinner & Cultural Show in a Cave: $65
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner in a Cave: $66
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks: $72
- 2-Hour Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner Experience: $83
- Cappadocia Night Show with Dinner, Folk Dance & Belly Dancers: $106
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner & Unlimited Drinks: $114
- Turkish Night Show in Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Transfer: $118
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$0.24
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cappadocia $64Ankara $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cappadocia
For Cappadocia, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Underground City Entrance for Two$0.62
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Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two$12
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Horseback Riding for Two$2.38
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Cappadocia Driving Tour$2.54
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Goreme Museum Entrance Fee$0.31
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Whirling Dervishes Show$2.07
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Turkish Bath$1.45
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Hot air ballooning$8.40
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Goreme open air museum$0.41
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Bellydancing Show$2.70
Tours and Activities in Cappadocia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.
- Cappadocia Tours : Best of Cappadocia: $5.50
- Cappadocia Daily Tour Red&Green & Tour with Opt. Languages Guide: $5.91
- Cappadocia Private Tour - Cappadocia's All Highlights in 1 Day: $6.12
- Private Full Day Cappadocia Tour With Luxury Van and Guide: $6.30
- Cappadocia Private Day Tour: $6.40
- Private Tour : All Highlights of Cappadocia 1 Day: $8.00
- Cappadocia Artisan & Local Craft Experience: $9.00
- Cappadocia Top Sights Tour Skip the Line Guided Experience: $11
- Horseback Riding Experience in Beautiful Valleys of Cappadocia: $13
- Sunset Horseback Riding Tour in Cappadocia: $13
- Cappadocia Horse Back Riding Tour Daily/Sunset: $13
- Guided ATV Tour through Cappadocia's Iconic Valleys: $14
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$0.17
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4-Day Eastern Anatolia Tour on the Touristic Eastern Express: $1,922
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $34
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $35
- Ankara Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $33
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Local: $28
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $236
- Ankara Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
- Ankara Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Ankara Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
- 6-Hour Private Tour with Guide, Car, and Lunch: $17,285
- Atakule Tower Observation Deck Ticket: $13
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCappadocia $12Ankara $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:
- Signature Local Wine Tasting in Cappadocia: $13
- Cappadocia - Avanos Clay Workshop and Wine Tour: $42
- Cappadocia Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Local Wine Tasting Experience: $71
- Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey - Introduction of local wines: $74
- Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys Guided Tour with Local Wine Tasting: $89
- Cappadocia Tour with Wine Tasting and Clay Shaping: $90
- Cappadocia Vineyard Experience and Wine Tasting: $95
- Goreme 2 Hour Wine Tasting: $215
- Ancient Cappadocia's Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $275
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cappadocia and Ankara, we can see that Cappadocia 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 Cappadocia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cappadocia 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 Cappadocia Expensive? and Is Ankara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cappadocia or Ankara?
Ankara has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Cappadocia 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.
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.