Which place is cheaper, Chefchaouen or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Istanbul or Chefchaouen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Chefchaouen, 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 Chefchaouen?
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.
Chefchaouen
To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Morocco, and The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco.
-
Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesChefchaouen Prices
Morocco Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $149Chefchaouen $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $149, while the average daily cost in Chefchaouen is $72. 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 Chefchaouen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $69Chefchaouen $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $138Chefchaouen $50
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Chefchaouen
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Chefchaouen? 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 Chefchaouen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $32Chefchaouen $16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Metro Cards$4.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Private Cultural Tours, Hotel Transfers Including: $299
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $290
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $262
- Private Transfer from Sabiha Gökcen Airport to Istanbul Airport: $262
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $222
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $222
- Gallipoli Day Trip from Lunch & Hotel Transfers: $200
- Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $189
- Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $182
- Cappadocia Private Tour, Transfers from Local Hotels or Istanbul: $181
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Layover Flight. Transfer incl.: $175
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:
-
Taxi Ride$1.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen
Also for Chefchaouen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Shared Transfer to Fes or Tangier: $23
- Chefchaouen Shared Transfer to Tetouan: $23
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $28
- One-way transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $28
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $29
- Tangier to Chefchaouen or Vice Versa: Shared One-Way Transfer: $33
- Moroco Private Transfer From Chefchaouen Casablanca Fez Marrakech: $57
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tangier: $74
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Asliha: $80
- Private Door to Door Transfer Between Chefchaouen and Tangier: $83
- Private Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fez (Door To Door): $91
- Chefchaouen to Fes Transfer(Private): $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Chefchaouen?
Prices for flights to both Chefchaouen 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 dayIstanbul $55Chefchaouen $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Bosphorus Night Cruise Dinner and Dance Show,Transfer included: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Turkish Night Show Experience: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $31
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:
-
Lunch for Two$9.17
-
Dinner for Two$10
-
Cupcake$0.31
-
Nutella and Yogurt$2.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen
For Chefchaouen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Moroccan Dishes with a Local Family Cooking Classes: $23
- Authentic Chefchaouen Cooking Class and Market Tour and Flavors: $45
- Cooking class of the medditeranean diet: $48
- Cooking Class with Market Tour and Meal in Chefchaouen: $57
- Cooking Class with Market Tour & Meal: $57
- Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Family & Market Visit: $59
- Cooking with a Local Family in Chefchaouen with Mountain View: $59
- Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Family & Market Visit: $63
- Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $72
- Traditional Cooking Class with Local Family | Village around Chefchaouen: $74
- Chefchaouen Traditional Cooking Class: $80
- Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $85
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $36Chefchaouen $17
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: $274
- 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 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $75
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $103
- 2 - Hours Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: $299
- 2 Day Cappadocia Tour with Istanbul Flights &Hot Air Balloon Tour: $285
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour with Hotel Flights and Hot Air Balloon: $200
- 2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip the Line Entry: $194
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chefchaouen.
- Chefchaouen Tour with Aman: $20
- Walking Night Tour at Blue City with Local Guide: $20
- Chefchouen Night Walking Tour Explore the Blue City After Dark: $23
- Tour of Discover the Blue Pearl of Morocco: $23
- Tour of Discover the Blue Pearl of Morocco: $24
- Hidden Gems Guided Tour with Mint Tea: $26
- The Real Customized Walking Tour in the Blue city: $27
- 3-Hour Private Legacy Tour in Chefchaouen: $28
- Chefchaouen tour guide: $28
- Chefchaouen Night Walk: Street Food & Gnawa Rooftop Experience: $29
- Painting Experience with the Local Artist: $34
- Bake Moroccan Bread with a Local Family and Clay Oven Experience: $39
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $9.85Chefchaouen $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $16
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Pub Crawl Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Taksim Pera Wine Tasting 3 Hour Guided Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Chefchaouen, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Chefchaouen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Chefchaouen?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Chefchaouen. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Chefchaouen, 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 Chefchaouen?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Istanbul or Chefchaouen in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Chefchaouen. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Chefchaouen. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chefchaouen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chefchaouen. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chefchaouen receives 346 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Chefchaouen. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Chefchaouen 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Chefchaouen in the Autumn?
Both Chefchaouen and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Istanbul is cooler than Chefchaouen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Chefchaouen. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Chefchaouen during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Chefchaouen receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Chefchaouen. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Chefchaouen 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Chefchaouen in the Winter?
Both Chefchaouen and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round.
In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Chefchaouen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Chefchaouen averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Chefchaouen. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chefchaouen receives 169 hours of full sun.
Chefchaouen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Chefchaouen. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Chefchaouen 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Chefchaouen in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Chefchaouen. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Istanbul is generally cooler than Chefchaouen. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Chefchaouen fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chefchaouen this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Chefchaouen during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Chefchaouen receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Chefchaouen. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chefchaouen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Chefchaouen 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Chefchaouen and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Chefchaouen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 144 mm (5.7 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.