Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Fethiye?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFethiye $109Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $109, 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 Fethiye and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFethiye $48Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFethiye $96Istanbul $94
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fethiye $34Istanbul $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:
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Local Bus$0.26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye
Also for Fethiye, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $27
- Fethiye Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $35
- Private Arrival Transfer: Dalaman Airport to Fethiye Hotels: $38
- Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $38
- Fethiye Horse Riding Experience With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
- From Ferry Transfer to Rhodes: $43
- From Island Sailing Trip with Transfer and Lunch: $45
- Private Departure Transfer: Fethiye, Oludeniz Region Hotels to Dalaman Airport: $47
- From Quad Bike Adventure with Transfers: $48
- Fethiye Rafting Adventure w/ Hotel Transfer and Lunch: $50
- Islands Boat Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Luxury Airport Transfer From Fethiye To Dalaman Airport: $53
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: $746
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $320
- Private Full Day Walking Tour in Istanbul with Transfer: $293
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $285
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $282
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $223
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $223
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $210
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
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Food Meals for one dayFethiye $35Istanbul $31
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fethiye:
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Fruit$0.22
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Soda$0.09
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 & Show 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 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.Fethiye $38Istanbul $79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye
For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Paragliding$7.42
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Gorge Walk entry and photo$0.17
Tours and Activities in Fethiye
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fethiye.
- Quad Safari Adventure from Fethiye: $24
- Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Saklikent Visit & Lunch: $26
- Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour: $28
- Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye: $28
- 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $30
- Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $38
- Private & Sharing Boat Tours from Fethiye: $38
- Fethiye Horse Riding Experience: $38
- Jeep Safari Tour to Tlos Ruins & Yakapark with BBQ: $40
- Food Market and Kayakoy "Ghost Town" Tour from Fethiye: $40
- Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour in Saklıkent Gorge with Lunch: $41
- 12 Islands Boat Tour from Fethiye with Grilled Lunch: $41
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 dayFethiye $17Istanbul $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: $83
- 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: $841
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fethiye Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye 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 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFethiye 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFethiye 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFethiye 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFethiye 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.