Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Cappadocia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cappadocia or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cappadocia or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul?
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.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey, and The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCappadocia $151Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Cappadocia is $151, 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 Cappadocia and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCappadocia $53Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCappadocia $106Istanbul $94
Compare Hotels in Cappadocia and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Cappadocia 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: Cappadocia Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cappadocia $51Istanbul $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia
Also for Cappadocia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cappadocia Shared Transfer from/to Kayseri Erkilet Airport: $9.75
- Airport Shuttle Transfer(Kayseri ASR - Nevsehir NAV Airport to Hotel): $13
- Cappadocia Shared Transfer From/To Kayseri and Nevşehir Airport: $13
- Airport Transfer From and To Kayseri and Nevsehir : $13
- Shared Airport Transfer From Nevsehir/Kayseri Airports to Hotels: $15
- Cappadocia Shuttle Transfer from Nevsehir Airport: $15
- From Kayseri & Nevsehir Airports: Transfer to Cappadocia: $16
- Transfer from Kayseri Airport to Cappadocia Hotels (Small Group): $16
- One way Transfer from Nevşehir Airport to Cappadocia Hotels: $16
- Kayseri Airport Transfer: $16
- Shuttle Transfer from Cappadocia hotels to "Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport": $20
- Whirling Dervishes Show in Cappadocia w/ Free Hotel Transfer: $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $745
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $319
- Private Full Day Walking Tour in Istanbul with Transfer: $293
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $286
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $223
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $223
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $223
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Cappadocia or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $50Istanbul $31
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:
- Turkish Night Show in Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Transfer: $43
- Turkish Night with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks İn the Rock Cave: $43
- Cappadocia Turkish Night in Avanos Dinner Included: $48
- Turkish Night Show With Dinner in a Cave Restaurant: $54
- Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner : $60
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Entertainments: $62
- Turkish Night Show & Dinner: $63
- Cappadocian cooking - hands-on class with pickup: $64
- Romantic Cappadocia Sunset Dinner and Wine : $65
- Cappadocia Cave Restaurant for Dinner and Turkish Entertainments: $70
- Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $75
- 2-Hour Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner Experience: $76
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- 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: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cappadocia $95Istanbul $79
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$0.93
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Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two$18
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Horseback Riding for Two$3.55
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Cappadocia Driving Tour$3.78
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Goreme Museum Entrance Fee$0.46
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Whirling Dervishes Show$3.09
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Turkish Bath$2.16
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Hot air ballooning$13
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Goreme open air museum$0.62
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Bellydancing Show$4.02
Tours and Activities in Cappadocia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.
- Skip the Line: Guray Museum Admission Ticket: $4.34
- Best Of Private Cappadocia Tour ( Car & Guide ): $4.88
- Cappadocia Private Tour (Car & Guide): $5.00
- Cappadocia Private Tour with Car & Guide : $5.99
- Full Day Private Cappadocia Tour( Car & Guide): $10
- Explore Cappadocia North and Red Underground City Private Tour : $12
- Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Watching Tour: $15
- Cappadocia 1 hour horse tour: $16
- Cappadocia horseback valley tour: $16
- Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Watching Experience: $16
- Full Day Underground City and Fairy Chimneys Tour with Lunch : $16
- Quad Safari Tour in Cappadocia / 2 Hour: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $272
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $163
- Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $150
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Istanbul Customized Daily Tour: $200
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $138
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1 Tour: Istanbul Highlights Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $201
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour : $220
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCappadocia $18Istanbul $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:
- Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey: $22
- Cappadocia Nightlife Experience: Bar and Pub Crawl Tour: $32
- Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $64
- Private Sunset and Wine Tasting Experience in Cappadocia: $87
- Full-day Cappadocia Tour with wine tasting and clay shaping : $90
- 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour in Cappadocia: $174
- Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $195
- Ancient Cappadocia's Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $275
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- 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
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- 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 Cappadocia and Istanbul, we can see that Cappadocia is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cappadocia Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cappadocia or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 1760 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Cappadocia 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.
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.