Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Eilat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEilat $140Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, 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 Eilat and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEilat $93Istanbul $47
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEilat $186Istanbul $94
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.
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 $13Istanbul $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
-
Local Bus$3.71
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
- From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
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:
- İstanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht W/Transfer: $47
- İstanbul Vip Airport Transfer : $50
- İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer : $56
- İstanbul Private Airport Transfer: $140
- İstanbul Airport Transfer : Your reliable & Stress-Free ride: $55
- İstanbul Airport Private Transfer: $76
- istanbul airport transfer: $27
- VIP Transfer from Hotel to Airport in Istanbul: $27
- Two Ways Istanbul Airport VIP Transfer: $98
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Istanbul HTL-APT (IST): $43
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Istanbul APT-HTL (IST): $43
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul HTL-APT (SAW): $52
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 dayEilat $35Istanbul $31
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.
- 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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eilat $16Istanbul $79
Tours and Activities in Eilat
For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
- Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
- From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $64
- Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
- Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
- Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
- Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
- Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
- 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
- Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
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:
- 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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEilat $27Istanbul $15
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 comparing the travel costs between Eilat and Istanbul, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Eilat is in Middle East and Istanbul is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eilat Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eilat or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 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 JulyEilat 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 OctoberEilat 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 JanuaryEilat 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 AprilEilat 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.