A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Fethiye vs. Istanbul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Fethiye or Istanbul?

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

Should I visit Fethiye 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: Fethiye or Istanbul?

Fethiye

Fethiye is a tourist town in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. It has a beautiful marina and plenty of activities during the day or night. Fethiye's size, location, and easy access to transportation make it a great central starting point to explore the area. It's also a popular place to pick up the "Blue Cruise," a popular boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.

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 Fethiye?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $124, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $142. 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 Fethiye and Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fethiye $55
    Istanbul $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fethiye $110
    Istanbul $108
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye 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 Fethiye


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: Fethiye Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $38
    Istanbul $62
Typical Local Transportation prices in Fethiye

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


  • Local Bus
    $0.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

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

  • Fethiye to Dalaman International Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $28
  • Fethiye to Dalaman Airport (DLM) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $35
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Hotels: $38
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • Fethiye Quad Safari Experience (Adventure Tour) w/ Hotel Transfer: $45
  • From Island Sailing Trip with Transfer and Lunch: $45
  • Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $48
  • From Quad Bike Adventure with Transfers: $48
  • Fethiye Turkish Bath With Oil Massage & Free Hotel Transfer: $50

Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul

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


  • Ferry
    $0.10
  • Local Bus
    $0.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul 5-Day City Package with Hotel, City Tours and Airport Transfers: $1,646
  • 2-Hour Private Luxury Yacht Cruise on Bosphorus with Transfers: $850
  • Transfer From Kusadasi to/from Istanbul : $711
  • Transfer From Istanbul to Bodrum: $682
  • Transfer From Istanbul to Izmir: $576
  • Luxury Boat Tour in Bosphorus with Hotel Transfers: $490
  • 4-Day Istanbul City Package including Full-Day Istanbul City Tour plus Airport Transfers: $490
  • 4-Day Wonderful Istanbul Including Accommodation Plus Transfer: $474
  • Istanbul Private 2 hours Bosphorus Yacht Cruise + Hotel Transfers: $384
  • Gallipoli Day Trip from Istanbul with Return Transfer with Lunch Included: $375
  • Ephesus Private Tour From Istanbul including transfers & domestic fights: $350
  • From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $323

Is it cheaper to fly into Fethiye or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Fethiye 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
    Fethiye $39
    Istanbul $35
Typical Food prices in Fethiye

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fethiye:


  • Fruit
    $0.24
  • Soda
    $0.10

Typical Food prices in Istanbul

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


  • Juice
    $0.07
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.30
  • Pastries
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

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

  • Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $20
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks & Shows: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $22
  • Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $23
  • İstanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Traditional Turkish Show: $25
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
  • Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $28
  • Pasha Istanbul Dinner Cruise: $29
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fethiye $43
    Istanbul $89
Typical Entertainment prices in Fethiye

For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Paragliding
    $8.37
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.19

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fethiye.

  • Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour: $26
  • Quad Safari Adventure from Fethiye: $27
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience: $32
  • 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $33
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Saklikent Visit & Lunch: $38
  • Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $38
  • Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $38
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour Including Lunch: $38
  • Food Market and Kayakoy "Ghost Town" Tour from Fethiye: $40
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye : $44
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye: $45
  • Ölüdeniz: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swim Stops and Lunch: $48

Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul

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


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.70
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.70
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.35
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $1.05

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: $659
  • 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $274
  • 9 Days Turkey Tour Package: $1,500
  • All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $176
  • Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
  • Bosphorus Morning or Sunset Guided Cruise Tour: $23
  • Cappadocia Underground City & Air Balloon Tour From Istanbul: $784
  • 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 : $120
  • Highlights of Cappadocia with Mehmet ( Private Tour ): $92

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fethiye $19
    Istanbul $17

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
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $27
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
  • #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl w Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim: $27
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $32
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $93
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $110
  • 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $280
  • Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Istanbul : $300
  • Full-Day Wine Tour from Istanbul: $350
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Fethiye and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Istanbul?

Istanbul is bigger, and its population is about 184.9 times larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the population of Fethiye 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 Fethiye or Istanbul?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fethiye or Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Fethiye during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Fethiye is a little warmer than Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Fethiye. In the summer, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets less rain in July than Istanbul. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and Istanbul. Furthermore, 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 the autumn, Fethiye is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fethiye in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Fethiye gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Fethiye gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Fethiye 20°C (68°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Istanbul in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Istanbul. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Fethiye is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 10°C (50°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Fethiye gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Fethiye receives a lot of rain in the winter. Fethiye usually gets more rain in January than Istanbul. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fethiye 10°C (50°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

Fethiye is a little warmer than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fethiye. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fethiye 16°C (61°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Fethiye

Fethiye Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 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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Fethiye vs. Istanbul Travel Comparison

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