A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Eilat vs. Istanbul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Eilat or Istanbul?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Eilat 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: Eilat or Istanbul?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $138, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $47. 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 Eilat and Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $92
    Istanbul $27
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $184
    Istanbul $54
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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.

Hotels in Eilat


Hotels in Istanbul


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Istanbul $3.23
Typical Local Transportation prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
  • Private Departure Transfer from Eilat City to Eilat ETM Airport: $74
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Eilat ETM Airport to Eilat City: $74
  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Eilat ETM Airport - Eilat City Round-Trip Transfer: $148
  • Private Transfer from Eilat to Jerusalem: $625
  • Transfer to Eilat from Ben Gurion Airport: $1,000

Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.10
  • Local Bus
    $0.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • İstanbul Vip Airport Transfer : $50
  • İstanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport Transfer (SAW) To Istanbul Hotel: $49
  • İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer : $55
  • İstanbul Private Airport Transfer: $55
  • İstanbul Private Airport Transfer: $140
  • İstanbul New Airport Transfer : $87
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer: $49
  • İstanbul Airport Private Transfer: $45
  • istanbul vip transfer: $54
  • istanbul airport vip transfer by private car: $22
  • istanbul airport & sabiha gokcen airport transfer by private car: $49
  • VIP Transfer from Hotel, Airbnb To Istanbul Airport: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Eilat 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 day
    Eilat $35
    Istanbul $15

Typical Food prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.07
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.31
  • Pastries
    $0.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Dinner Cruise & Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Night Cruise w/ Dinner, Drinks & Shows: $21
  • Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $22
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $24
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folklore Show & Belly Dancers: $25
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folklore Show & Belly Dancers: $27
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $27
  • Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $28
  • 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Istanbul $16

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-Hour Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $20
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Summer night jeep tour in Eilat mountains: $55
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • eilat e-bike sunset tour: $58
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
  • Red Canyon Small-Group Photography Tour: $81
  • The best of Eilat walking tour: $122
  • Park Timna: Comfortable Photo Tour: $130
  • Red Canyon: Comfortable Photo Tour: $130

Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.74
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.74
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.37
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $1.11

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $650
  • 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $271
  • 6-Day Private Guided Tour in Istanbul and Cappadocia: $1,400
  • 9 Days Turkey Tour Package: $1,500
  • All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $173
  • Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
  • Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $150
  • Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $44
  • Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $51
  • Hagia Sophia Private Tour : $100
  • Half Day Golden Horn Land Tour via Public Ferry: $26
  • Highlights of Cappadocia with Mehmet ( Private Tour ): $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $26
    Istanbul $3.81

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
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
  • #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl w Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim: $27
  • Drunk TourIST - Istanbul Pub Crawl: $27
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $32
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $244
  • Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Istanbul : $275
  • Full-Day Wine Tour from Istanbul: $345
  • Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul: $430
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
  • Istanbul Private and Guided Food and Wine Tasting tour : $450

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Istanbul, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat is in Middle East 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 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat than you might in Istanbul.

Which is Bigger, Eilat or Istanbul?

Istanbul is bigger, and its population is about 245.1 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the population of Eilat vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Eilat or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Eilat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Eilat or Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Istanbul. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Eilat. In the summer, Eilat is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Eilat in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Istanbul averages at about 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the summer, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in July than Istanbul. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Istanbul in the Autumn?

Both Istanbul and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Eilat is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 26°C (79°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Eilat usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Eilat during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Eilat is much warmer than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the winter, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Istanbul in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the spring, Eilat is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Eilat in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Eilat usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Eilat

Eilat Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 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.
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Eilat vs. Istanbul Travel Comparison

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