Which place is cheaper, Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Bodh Gaya, 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 Bodh Gaya?
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.
Bodh Gaya
Located in the state of Bihar in the northeast of India, Bodh Gaya is the most respected place and pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Bodh Gaya is believed to be the site where Buddha Shakyamuni achieved enlightenment while meditating under the famous Bodhi tree.
Prince Gautama Siddartha was born in the sixth century, B.C. in what is modern-day Nepal. Siddartha lived a comfortable life of extravagance as he was born the son of King Suddhodana of the Sakya clan, but after witnessing human suffering, Siddartha decided to give up all of his possessions and embarked upon a quest to seek knowledge and the solution to such suffering. It is underneath a Pipal tree near the city of Gaya, that it is believed he began to meditate until he became enlightened. Today, a descendent of the original Bodhi Tree is located in the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in the city of Bodh Gaya.
Weather in Bodhgaya is generally warm throughout the year, with daytime highs in the 90s during summer and nighttime lows in the high 40s during winter. Because Bodhgaya is centered around religious sites, pack light layers and plan to dress modestly. Remember that you'll be expected to take shoes off at all temples, so sandals may be easier to wear and a good time-saver.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesBodh Gaya Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $157Bodh Gaya $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $157, while the average daily cost in Bodh Gaya is $56. 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 Bodh Gaya in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $73Bodh Gaya $19
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $146Bodh Gaya $38
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Bodh Gaya
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Bodh Gaya? 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 Bodh Gaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $34Bodh Gaya $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer: $70
- İstanbul Private Airport Transfer: $108
- İstanbul Airport Transfer: $51
- İstanbul Airport Transfer: $87
- İstanbul Airport Transfer: $52
- İstanbul Airport Private Transfer Services: $82
- istanbul Airport Transfer: $49
- Viaport Theme Park Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $45
- Viaport Lion Park Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $150
- Viaport Aquarium Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $35
- Viaport Aquapark Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $65
- VIP Airport Transfer: $52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodh Gaya
Also for Bodh Gaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Hotel to Gaya Airport: $13
- Private Transfer from Bodhgaya Airport: $13
- Affordable Bodh Gaya Airport Transfer: $15
- Gaya Airport (GAY) Private Transfer to Gaya City/Hotels: $25
- Private Airport Transfer Gaya to or from Bodhgaya Hotel: $25
- 3 Day Private Bodhgaya Sightseeing Tour with Transfer: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Bodh Gaya?
Prices for flights to both Bodh Gaya 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 $58Bodh Gaya $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $26
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
- İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $38Bodh Gaya $8.62
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
- 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $280
- 1 Perfect Day in Istanbul Private Guided Tour of the City’s Icons: $250
- 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $80
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
- 2 Hours Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise: $12
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
- 2-Days Private Walking Tour in Istanbul: $300
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
- 3 Day Guided Private Tour in Istanbul: $200
- 4 Hours Istanbul Old City Walking & Shopping Tour: $150
Tours and Activities in Bodh Gaya
For Bodh Gaya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Taj Mahal & Agra Private Tour from Delhi by Car – Fast Entry: $4.51
- Guided Virtual Tour of Bodhgaya: $27
- Full Day Tour in Bodhgaya Hotel pick up: $30
- Bodhgaya Day Tour (Hotel Pickup): $43
- Full-Day Private Guided Bodhgaya Tour with Pick Up: $48
- Private Tour of Bodhgaya and Gaya Including Vishnupad Temple: $50
- Bodhgaya and Gaya Pilgrimage Tour: $52
- Private Bodhgaya Spiritual Tour with Expert Guide: $55
- Bodhgaya Full Day Tour: $63
- Half Day Private Guided Tour in Bodh Gaya & Dungeshwari Caves: $88
- Private Day Tour to Rajgir and Nalanda from Bodhgaya: $105
- Guided Tour of Bodhgaya Temples and Buddha Sites: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $10Bodh Gaya $4.95
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $17
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Bodh Gaya, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Bodh Gaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Bodh Gaya is in Asia, 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 Bodh Gaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodh Gaya 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 Bodh Gaya.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Bodh Gaya Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Bodh Gaya?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Bodh Gaya. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Bodh Gaya, 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.
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.