A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Casablanca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Casablanca?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Casablanca, 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 Casablanca?

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.

Casablanca

Casablanca is so much more than a classic Bogart movie with killer one-liners. It is also the largest, most cosmopolitan city in the country of Morocco. Sitting at the economic and industrial heart of this region, Casablanca has a population of approximately four million. Brush up on your high school French before visiting this lively city as it's the main language spoken by the locals. While this is the most liberal and progressive city in Morocco, remember to be cautious in this region of the world with your western views.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Casablanca or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $192, while the average daily cost in Casablanca is $92. 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 Casablanca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $89
    Casablanca $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $178
    Casablanca $92
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Casablanca

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Casablanca? 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.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Casablanca


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 Casablanca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $42
    Casablanca $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Airport Private Transfer to/from Old City: $5.69
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Istanbul Airport : $16
  • Full Day Sapanca Tour with Lunch and Transfer From Istanbul: $17
  • Sabiha Gokcen Airport Private Arrival Transfer : $25
  • Guided Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Transfer: $28
  • Guided Byzantine & Bosphorus Tour with Transfer In Istanbul: $28
  • Private Istanbul Airport Transfer to Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmet: $28
  • Exclusive and Luxury VİP Airport Transfer Service Across Turkey: $28
  • Reliable & Safe Istanbul Airport Taxi Transfer – VIP Service : $30
  • Istanbul Airport (IST) Private Arrival and Departure Transfer: $30
  • Istanbul Airport Private Departure Transfer: $30
  • Istanbul Airport Transfer : $31

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Casablanca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Casablanca:


  • Train from Airport (for 2)
    $7.52
  • Taxi Ride
    $8.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Casablanca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Casablanca:

  • Marrakesh Airport Private Transfer: $7.00
  • Transfers from Marrakech airport: $9.72
  • Private Airport Transfer from or to Marrakech Menara Airport.: $15
  • Private transfer from Casablanca CMN Airport to Hotel and Cities: $18
  • Private Transfer to Mohammed V Airport: $20
  • Mohammed V Airport to City Private Transfer: $20
  • Casablanca Mohamed V Airport to Hotels Private Arrival transfer : $20
  • Casablanca Private Transfer from Hotel Accommodation To Airport : $20
  • Best Private Airport Transfer Casablanca: $20
  • Casablanca Cruise Transfer or Airport Transfer Service: $23
  • Private Transfer in Casablanca Airport CMN From or To city center: $23
  • Private transfer from Mohammed V airport to Casablanca: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Casablanca?

Prices for flights to both Casablanca 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Istanbul $71
    Casablanca $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • İstanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show : $19
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Live Performance: $28
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folklore Show & Belly Dancers: $32
  • Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home: $33
  • 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $34
  • Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $34
  • Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Show and Private Table: $35
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $36
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $36
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $37
  • Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Shows and Party : $38

Typical Food Prices in Casablanca

Some typical examples of dining costs in Casablanca are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $3.22
  • Lunch
    $9.67
  • Dinner at Rick's Cafe (for Two)
    $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Casablanca

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Casablanca.

  • Traditional Cooking Courses in Casablanca : $52
  • Moroccan Cooking Class Casablanca: $57
  • Old local Market visit+Moroccan cooking class with a local family: $59
  • Casablanca After Sunset Traditional Photoshoot and Dinner Show: $66
  • Authentic Moroccan Food Tour in Casablanca with Dinner: $67
  • Private CousCous Cooking Class in a Traditional Family Home: $70
  • Casablanca City Night Tour and Traditional Moroccan Dinner: $78
  • Small Group Casablanca Food Tour with a Local: $91
  • Casablanca Food Tour: $102
  • Central Market Food Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $107
  • Food Tour with Tastings in Quartier Habous: $108
  • Beach view cooking class: $137

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $46
    Casablanca $9.59

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • Istanbul Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.27
  • Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $9.10
  • Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar Walk Tour: $9.44
  • Fast-Track Admission Ticket-Topkapi Palace & Harem-Pay on Arrival: $11
  • Bosphorus Cruise Tickets with Audio Guide: $11
  • Sunset Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Landmarks by Boat: $14
  • Lunch Cruise in Bosphorus: $15
  • Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Tour: $17
  • Princes's Islands Tour With Live Tour Guide On Board ( 2 islands): $17
  • Ihlamur Pavilion Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide: $17
  • 3 Hour Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Outdoor Storytelling Tour: $17

Tours and Activities in Casablanca

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Casablanca are as follows:

  • Skip the line Hassan 2 mosque Premium Tour entry ticket included: $16
  • Hassan II Mosque Premium Tour with Entry Ticket: $19
  • Hassan II Mosque & City Highlights Tour: $28
  • Casablanca Walking Tour with Local Guide: $30
  • Private Guided Tour: $32
  • Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $33
  • Casablanca Tour: Private or Small Group Guided Experience: $33
  • Casablanca City Tour with Hotel Pickup and drop off: $33
  • Casablanca Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour with Entrance Ticket: $33
  • Casablanca Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque and Arab League Park: $33
  • Casablanca Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $35
  • Casablanca Guided City Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $13
    Casablanca -

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $95
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $199


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Casablanca, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Casablanca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Casablanca 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 Casablanca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Casablanca 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 Casablanca.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Casablanca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Casablanca?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Casablanca. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Casablanca, 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 Casablanca?

Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Casablanca experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Casablanca in the Summer?

Both Casablanca 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 Casablanca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Casablanca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Casablanca averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Casablanca. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Casablanca during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Casablanca receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Casablanca 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Casablanca in the Autumn?

Both Casablanca 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 Casablanca year-round.

In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Casablanca. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Casablanca fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Casablanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Casablanca. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Casablanca receives 233 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Casablanca. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Casablanca 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Casablanca in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Casablanca. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Casablanca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Istanbul is much colder than Casablanca in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Casablanca fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Casablanca during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Casablanca receives 190 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Casablanca. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Casablanca 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Casablanca in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Casablanca. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Casablanca throughout the year.

In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Casablanca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Casablanca averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Casablanca. In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Casablanca. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Casablanca receives 262 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Casablanca. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Casablanca receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Casablanca 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Casablanca and Istanbul

Istanbul Casablanca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (74°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 72 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)