Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Cappadocia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCappadocia $150Ankara $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Cappadocia is $150, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $115. 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 $52Ankara $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCappadocia $104Ankara $112
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 $50Ankara $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia
Also for Cappadocia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cappadocia Red Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer incl): $89
- Private Airport Transfer Service from/to Kayseri or Nevsehir : $111
- 2 Days 1 Night Cappadocia Tour (Airport Transfer, Hotel, Daily Tour And Atv): $212
- 2-Hour Sunset Quad Bike Tour in Cappadocia with Transfer (1 ATV for 2 persons): $44
- ATV Safari Experience in Cappadocia with roundtrip hotel transfer: $47
- Airport Shuttle Transfer(Kayseri ASR - Nevsehir NAV Airport to Hotel): $13
- All in One Private Cappadocia Tour By Optional Airport Transfer : $222
- Cappadocia Airport Private Transfer: $111
- Cappadocia Airport Transfer Safe and Comfortable : $56
- Cappadocia Balloon Ride with Breakfast, Champagne and Transfers: $172
- Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch): $75
- Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch): $87
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$0.04
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Short Taxi Ride$0.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Ankara - Cappadocia Private Transfer (Mercedes Vito): $370
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $110
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $110
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $77
- Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $72
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $63
- Ankara Private Departure Transfer from City hotels to Airport: $60
- Private transfer: Ankara Airport (ESB) to Ankara: $40
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 $49Ankara $32
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:
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Cookies$0.03
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: $30
- Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner : $55
- Turkish night show with dinner and unlimited free alcohol: $59
- Romantic Cappadocia Private Sunset Dinner With Wild Food : $64
- Turkish Night Unlimited Drinks & Dinner in Cappadocia: $64
- Cappadocian cooking - hands-on class with pickup: $65
- Cappadocia Cave Restaurant for Dinner and Turkish Entertainments: $72
- Romantic Cappadocia Sunset Dinner and Wine : $75
- Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $77
- 2-Hour Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner Experience: $78
- Turkish Night Show & Dinner: $82
- Turkish Home Cooking Class in Cappadocia with Hotel Transfers: $104
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$0.35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cappadocia $95Ankara $34
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$0.92
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Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two$18
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Horseback Riding for Two$3.52
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Cappadocia Driving Tour$3.75
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Goreme Museum Entrance Fee$0.46
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Whirling Dervishes Show$3.07
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Turkish Bath$2.15
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Hot air ballooning$12
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Goreme open air museum$0.61
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Bellydancing Show$3.99
Tours and Activities in Cappadocia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.
- Cappadocia Private Tour (Car & Guide): $5.00
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Watching Experience: $15
- Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Watching Experience: $17
- Cappadocia Private Tour with Car & Guide : $19
- Cappadocia Horseback Riding Tour: $20
- Cappadocia Red Tour ( Shared Group ) : $20
- 2 Hour Sunset Quad Bike (ATV) Tour in Cappadocia: $22
- Private Mix Tour in Cappadocia: $22
- Horseback sunset tour in the unique valleys of Cappadocia: $25
- 1 Hour ATV Tour: $27
- Cappadocia Horse Riding Experience Sunrise Sunset Daytime: $30
- Cappadocia Sunset ATV Tour: $30
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$0.25
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour: $49
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ) : $33
- Ankara Private Walking Tour: $272
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $221
- Private Tour with a Local: $38
- Private Walking tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $33
- Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $215
- Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Day Cruise: $165
- Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace: $145
- Konya and Cappdocia Tour (3 Days-2 Nights): $447
- Private Ankara City Tours by an Archaeologist Tour Guide : $280
- Private Tour: Ankara Sightseeing: $235
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCappadocia $18Ankara $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:
- Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey - Introduction of local wines: $25
- Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $65
- 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour in Cappadocia: $189
- Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $200
- Private Tour: Best of Cappadocia with Wine Tasting: $288
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.