Which place is cheaper, Accra or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Accra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Accra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Accra?
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.
Accra
Accra is the capital city of Ghana, located on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Popular attractions include the National Museum of Ghana, local beaches, markets, and cultural landmarks like those dedicated to Civil Rights activist W.E.B. DuBois.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Ghana, and The Best Safaris in Ghana.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesAccra Prices
Ghana Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $156Accra $52
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $156, while the average daily cost in Accra is $52. 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 Istanbul and Accra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $72Accra $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $144Accra $44
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Accra
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Accra? 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Accra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $34Accra $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $5.78
- Private; Istanbul Cruise Port Transfer (Galataport): $5.78
- Princes' Islands Cruise with Lunch & Transfer: $6.25
- Istanbul VIP Shopping Experience with Transfers and Refreshments: $9.00
- Sapanca & Masukiye Day Tour from Istanbul with Lunch & Transfer: $15
- Princess Islands Day Trip w Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $16
- Princes' Islands Tour with Hotel Transfers: $17
- Princess Islands Day Trip w Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $18
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
- Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $21
- Istanbul:Sultanahmet Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $23
- Best of Old City Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Accra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Accra:
- From Private Airport Transfer, Pickup & Drop-off Services: $35
- Arrival & Departure Airport Hotel Transfers: $70
- Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport Accra Ghana (ACC) to Accra city: $76
- Private Transfer from Kotoka Airport to Accra: $80
- Kotoka Airport Exclusive Wheelchair Accessible Transfers!: $130
- Aburi Gardens Transfers: $187
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Accra?
Prices for flights to both Accra and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $57Accra $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $20
- Show Cruise & Dinner at Window Seat Private Table: $20
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $22
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show – Window Side Table Optional: $22
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night with Live Shows: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show: $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Accra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Accra.
- Local Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra to help support wellness community center: $45
- Accra Osu Night Market Food Tour with Akosua Serwaa: $80
- Ghana Jollof Cooking Class with Bottomless Wine: $80
- Private Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra with Local Drinks: $80
- Accra Makola Market Food Tour With Full Lunch: $82
- Home Cooking Class by Auntie K: $89
- Private Authentic Ghanaian Cooking Class in Accra: $90
- Private 1 to 2 Hours Street Food Tour in Ghana: $100
- Accra, Ghana: Private Home-Style Ghanaian Cooking Class: $130
- Private Ghanaian Cooking Class at Accra's Premier Food Hub: $200
- Food Tour in Accra: $294
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $38Accra $3.90
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.52
- Daily Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul with lunch: $5.00
- Small Group Evening Bosphorus Cruise & Snacks: $5.21
- Bosphorus Cruise from Europe or Asia & Audio Guide: $5.65
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option: $5.78
- Bosphorus Sunset & Day Time Cruise, Drinks & Snack: $5.78
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.44
- Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $6.78
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $6.99
- Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul: $7.05
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide: $7.81
Tours and Activities in Accra
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Accra are as follows:
- Accra City Day Tour-History,Culture,Markets&Independence Square: $38
- Accra Guided City Tour Cultural and Historical Experience: $39
- Makola Market Walking Tour: $41
- Experience the Beauty, History and the Culture Of Accra in a Day: $45
- African Alcoholic Drinks Tasting Experience: $50
- Ghanaian Cultural Art Tour and Scented Candle Making Experience: $50
- Accra Textiles and Fashion Tour: $60
- Half-Day Private Tour of Nima Market with Pick Up: $65
- Banana beach & Coral Island Full day Tour: $68
- Accra Guided City Tour: $70
- Waterfalls, Aburi Botanical Gardens & a Cocoa Farm Experience.: $72
- Aburi Gardens,First Ever Cocoa Farm & Waterfalls Day Adventure: $75
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $10Accra $5.59
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Pub Crawl in Taksim: $14
- Explore Istanbul Night Life: Pub Crawl: $23
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $31
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $32
- Boat Party & Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $43
- Wine Tasting with Indigenous Local Varieties: $54
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Accra, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Accra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Accra is in Africa, 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 Accra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Accra 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul than you might in Accra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Accra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Accra?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Accra. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Accra, 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 Istanbul or Accra?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Accra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Istanbul or Accra in the Summer?
Both Accra and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Accra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Accra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Accra averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Accra. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Accra receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Accra 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Accra in the Autumn?
Both Accra and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Accra year-round.
In October, Istanbul is generally much colder than Accra. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Accra fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Accra. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Accra receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Accra 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Accra in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Accra. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Accra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Istanbul is much colder than Accra in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Accra fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Accra. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Accra receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Accra 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Accra in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Accra. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Accra throughout the year.
In the spring, Istanbul is much colder than Accra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Accra averages at about 28°C (82°F).
It's quite rainy in Accra. Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Accra. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Accra receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Accra 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Accra and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Accra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.