Should you visit Istanbul or Bern?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Bern, 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.
Bern
The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.
Which city is cheaper, Bern or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $93, while the average daily cost in Bern is $200. 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 Bern in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Istanbul is about $114 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around $129. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Bern the cost is $258 on average.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Istanbul cost around $23 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 $9.20.
The price of a meal in Bern can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $48 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $19 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
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Food
Meals for one day
Istanbul $23
Bern $48
Typical Food prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice
$0.23
-
Turkish Delight
$0.07
-
Dessert
$0.98
-
Pastries
$0.17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
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Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show:
$29
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Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show:
$30
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Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer:
$34
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Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ):
$35
-
Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive):
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul:
$37
-
Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner:
$37
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show:
$39
-
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Soft Drinks:
$40
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise&Show:
$40
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Istanbul is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $5.44 per person, per day, on local transportation in Istanbul.
The cost of a taxi ride in Bern is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $27 per person, per day, on local transportation in Bern.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry
$0.32
-
Local Bus
$0.35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
-
Istanbul Airport Transfer / Private Airport Transfer:
$3.73
-
Private Istanbul New Airport Transfer Service:
$4.36
-
Istanbul Airports Transfer:
$6.22
-
istanbul airport cheapest vip transfer by private car:
$14
-
Safe Airport transfer service in istanbul:
$16
-
Private Airport Transfer Arrival or Departure in Istanbul:
$17
-
Sabiha Airport Arrival Or Departure Hotel Transfer:
$17
-
PRIVATE DEPARTURE TRANSFER - Istanbul European Side To Istanbul New Airport:
$18
-
Istanbul New Airport Private Transfer:
$18
-
New Istanbul Airport Private Transfer:
$18
-
Istanbul Airport Arrival Or Departure Hotel Transfer:
$19
-
İstanbul Private Airport Transfer:
$19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Bern City - One Way:
$105
-
Private Transfer from Bern City Center to Zurich City Center:
$318
-
Private transfer from Bern City to Zurich Airport:
$416
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Basel City - One Way:
$586
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Bern Belp Airport to Zurich City - One Way:
$661
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Bern?
Prices for flights to both Bern 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Istanbul typically cost an average of $34 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment and activities in Bern typically cost an average of $27 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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:
-
Just Hagia Sophia Tour /Skip The Lines:
$8.71
-
VR Dervish Experience:
$10
-
Museum of Illusions Istanbul Ticket:
$11
-
Piri Self-Guided Audio Tour: Istanbul, Historical Peninsula:
$11
-
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour:
$12
-
Bosphorus Cruise from Eminonu Pier with Audio App:
$12
-
Basilica Cistern VIP Tickets:
$12
-
Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque&Hippodrome Guided Tours Everyday /No que / No line!:
$12
-
Vip Ticket For Hagi̇a Sophi̇a:
$12
-
SEA LIFE Istanbul Entry Ticket:
$14
-
Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Admission Ticket:
$15
-
Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour:
$16
Tours and Activities in Bern
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bern are as follows:
-
Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour:
$45
-
Bern Capital City Small Group Tour:
$90
-
Best Introduction Tour of Bern with a Local:
$91
-
Schilthorn Piz Gloria (James Bond Location) Small Group Tour from Bern:
$179
-
GAILY TOUR in BERN - Gay & Lesbian Tour:
$187
-
Bern Capital City Private Tour:
$194
-
Zermatt Village Matterhorn Area plus Mt. Gornergrat Small Group Tour from Bern:
$227
-
Adventure: Diamond Skull Virtual Reality:
$230
-
Private tour of the best of Bern - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local:
$249
-
Layover in Bern a Private Tour with a local: Best Highlights of Bern:
$249
-
Zermatt Village Matterhorn Area plus Mt. Gornergrat Private Tour from Bern:
$305
-
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Small Group Tour from Bern:
$329
Alcohol
The average person spends about $8.32 on alcoholic beverages in Istanbul per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
The average person spends about $21 on alcoholic beverages in Bern per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
-
Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul:
$427
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Bern, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern than you might in Istanbul.
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