Should you visit Istanbul or Berlin?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Berlin, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
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.
Berlin
Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.
With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.
Which city is cheaper, Berlin or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $51, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $116. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Berlin in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Istanbul is about $62 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
The prices for places to stay in Berlin can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $54, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $108.
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Istanbul is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $2.96 per person, per day, on local transportation in Istanbul.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Berlin than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $15 on transportation in Berlin on average per day.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry
$0.18
-
Local Bus
$0.19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
-
Private Transfer from Istanbul to Bodrum:
$1,244
-
Istanbul 5-Day City Package with Hotel, City Tours and Airport Transfers:
$722
-
Transfer From Istanbul to Bodrum:
$722
-
Transfer From Istanbul to Izmir:
$653
-
Transfer From Istanbul to Kusadasi:
$647
-
2-Hour Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Transfers:
$500
-
4-Day Wonderful Istanbul Including Accommodation Plus Transfer:
$474
-
Istanbul Airport to Kartalkaya Transfer:
$460
-
Safe Istanbul Airport Transfer in Luxury with English Speaking Chauffeur:
$355
-
4-Day Istanbul City Package including Full-Day Istanbul City Tour plus Airport Transfers:
$350
-
Istanbul to Bursa Uludag private minivan transfer service:
$348
-
From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers:
$334
Typical Local Transportation prices in Berlin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:
-
Short Trip Metro Ticket
$1.48
-
Bahn Ticket
$3.17
-
Short Taxi Ride
$21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin
Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Private Departure Transfer from Berlin City Center to Berlin Tegel Airport:
$24
-
Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Van Transfer:
$27
-
Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Arrival Private Van Transfer:
$27
-
Berlin to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) - Departure Private Van Transfer:
$27
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Berlin to Schonefeld Airport (SXF):
$30
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER):
$30
-
Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport to Berlin city (any hotel or address):
$32
-
Berlin Schonefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Departure Private Van Transfer:
$34
-
Private Transfer from Berlin City Center to Schönefeld Airport:
$36
-
Premium Transfer Accommodation in Berlin to Berlin Tegel Airport:
$37
-
Premium Transfer from Berlin Tegel Airport to Accommodation in Berlin:
$37
-
Private Business Transfer from Berlin Hotel to Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL):
$41
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Berlin?
Prices for flights to both Berlin 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
On average, meal and food prices in Istanbul cost around $13 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $5.20.
In Berlin travelers spend around $44 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Istanbul $13
Berlin $44
Typical Food prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice
$0.13
-
Turkish Delight
$0.04
-
Dessert
$0.53
-
Pastries
$0.09
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:
$29
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show:
$30
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer:
$34
-
Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ):
$35
-
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive):
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul:
$37
-
Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner:
$37
-
Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus:
$38
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show:
$39
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Sema Ceremony:
$40
Typical Food prices in Berlin
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
English Comedy Ticket including Pizza in Berlin Mitte:
$16
-
English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte:
$25
-
Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Berlin:
$40
-
Dinner Cruise – “This is the CHEF talking”:
$49
-
Berlin Kreuzberg - Food Tour:
$53
-
Berlin Mitte - Food Tour:
$53
-
Berlin Food Tour:
$55
-
Withlocals 10 Tastings: Covid-19 Regulated Private Food Tour:
$57
-
Berlin Dinner Cruise.:
$61
-
History Bites: The Berlin History and Food Tour:
$61
-
Fun Dinner and Dancing by Gaiety in Berlin:
$84
-
Vegan Food Tour Experience in Berlin:
$87
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Istanbul typically cost an average of $18 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Sightseeing expenses in Berlin, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $19 per day, per person.
Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
-
1 Day - Istanbul Tour:
$315
-
1 Day Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour From Istanbul:
$300
-
1 Day Istanbul & Ephesus Tour By Plane - YK230:
$419
-
1 Day Regular Cappadocia Tour by Plane - YK0011:
$384
-
1 Day Tour - Sapanca:
$300
-
1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$496
-
1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Travel from Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$509
-
1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Trip from/to Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$513
-
1 Night 1 Day Trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$490
-
1 Night 2 Days Cappadocia Trip from/to Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$521
-
1 Night 2 Days Ephesus, Kusadasi, Hierapolis & Pamukkale Tour from/to Istanbul:
$372
-
1 Night Cappadocia Trip with Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$525
Typical Entertainment prices in Berlin
For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Tours and Activities in Berlin
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.
-
Rude Bastards tour of Berlin:
$1.87
-
Music of Berlin Private Tour: Communist Berlin Exploration Game:
$3.72
-
Berlin Private Tour: Third Reich & the Cold War Exploration Game:
$4.96
-
The Dönerkebab: Discover how it changed Germany on an audio walking tour:
$5.48
-
Witches, Riots and the Cold War: A Walk Through Wedding Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.48
-
In and Around Alexanderplatz Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.48
-
Berlin's Centre - Explore the city's modern history with this audio walking tour:
$5.48
-
Classic Sights and Hidden Histories of Berlin's Museum Island Audio Tour:
$5.48
-
Into the Heart of Berlin Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.48
-
Ku'damm Couture and Currywurst Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap:
$5.48
-
Berlin Trabi Museum: Day Ticket:
$5.66
-
Self-Guided Tour of Over 100 Sights:
$5.66
Alcohol
The average person spends about $4.53 on alcoholic beverages in Istanbul per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Berlin, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $14.
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
-
Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul:
$427
Typical Alcohol prices in Berlin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:
Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin
Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Berlin Pub Crawl And Night Life Tour:
$15
-
Guided Pub Crawl with Shots:
$20
-
Berlin Nightlife: The Original Pub Crawl:
$20
-
#1 Berlin Pub Crawl:
$25
-
Sean's Wine Tasting Events:
$66
-
Showgirls of Burlesque by Gl’Amouresque:
$66
-
Welcome to Berlin tour! Sightseeing, souvenirs and visit of a German brewery:
$236
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Berlin, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin than you might in Istanbul.
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