Which place is cheaper, Chefchaouen or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Chefchaouen $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Chefchaouen is $57. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Chefchaouen $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Chefchaouen $48
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Chefchaouen $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $749
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $466
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $321
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $287
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $282
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $225
- Full-Day Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $210
- Layover Private Guided Istanbul City Tour with Transfers: $192
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:
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Taxi Ride$1.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen
Also for Chefchaouen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes : $25
- One-Way Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes: $27
- Fes: One-Way Transfer to Chefchaouen "The Blue City": $27
- Vice versa transfer to chefchaouen with optional tour guide: $64
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tetouan: $73
- Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tangier: $74
- From Fes:2-Day Transfers to Chefchaouen & back to Fez/Tanger: $75
- Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer: $81
- Private Transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (one way): $99
- transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (Door to Door): $107
- transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (door to door): $107
- Private Transfer Chefchaouen-Tangier or vice versa: $109
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
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $31Chefchaouen $18
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
- Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:
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Lunch for Two$8.97
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Dinner for Two$9.97
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Cupcake$0.30
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Nutella and Yogurt$1.99
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen
For Chefchaouen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $28
- Cooking Class in Mountain From Chefchaouen: $44
- Vegetarian food Cooking Class in Chefchaouen: $44
- 3-Hour Cooking Class overlooking the Blue City: $55
- 4 hours Private Cooking Class With Family in Chefchaouen: $60
- Chefchaouen Cooking Class : $65
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $65
- Chefchaouen Food Tour: $68
- Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $69
- Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $70
- Make Your Own Tajine and Pastilla Cooking Class: $76
- Chefchaouen Traditional Cooking Class: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Chefchaouen $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
- 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $432
Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chefchaouen.
- Walking Tour in Chefchaouen: $14
- Chefchaouen with Local Eyes Guided Walking Tour: $15
- Tour by local guide : $16
- Chefchaouen Tour with Aman: $20
- Chefchaouen tour guide: $22
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouenf: $26
- From Fez: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouen: $28
- Day Tour to Chefchaouen from Fes with Local Expert: $28
- Best Experience Fes to Chefchaouen Day Tour multi languages: $34
- From Fez: Chefchaouen Guided Day Tour: $35
- 3-Hour Private Legacy Tour in Chefchaouen: $35
- Discover Chefchaouen : A Walking Tour through Hidden Gems: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Chefchaouen $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.