Should I Visit Istanbul or Cochin for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Istanbul or Cochin?

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

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

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.

Cochin

Cochin is a large city in Kerala, India. It's a cosmopolitan commercial port city with a population of over two million and is a major tourist destination. The city has a diverse population that has migrated from elsewhere in Kerala, as well as the rest of India. The city continues to become more cosmopolitan with fashion shifting to western styles. There are also many large shopping malls as well as an enthusiasm for sports such as football (soccer) or cricket.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.

Which place is cheaper, Cochin or Istanbul?

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

Istanbul Prices
Turkey Prices

Cochin Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Istanbul $136

Cochin $44

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $136, while the average daily cost in Cochin is $44. 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 Cochin in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Istanbul $43

Cochin $14
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Istanbul $86

Cochin $28

Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Cochin

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Cochin? 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 Cochin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Istanbul $50

Cochin $10

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:

Ferry

$0.08
Local Bus

$0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

Private Airport Transfer in Istanbul: $105
Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $63
1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $79
Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $35
Airport Transfer: $56
Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car: $52
Bosphorus Afternoon Tour with Lunch, Transfer and more! : $40
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht with Transfers: $52
Departure Private Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Van: $68
Exclusive and Luxury VİP Airport Transfer Service Across Turkey: $27
Fat Taxi - Private Istanbul Airport (IST) Transfer to Besiktas Area: $52
Fat Taxi - Private Istanbul Airport (IST) Transfer to City: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Cochin?

Prices for flights to both Cochin 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 $49

Cochin $21

Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

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

Juice

$0.06
Turkish Delight

$0.02
Dessert

$0.24
Pastries

$0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

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

Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Incl. Drinks with Transfer: $16
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $16
Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show & Private Table: $16
Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $19
İstanbul Bosphorus Dinner Night Cruise & Turkish Night Show: $21
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $22
Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $23
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $25
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Hotel Transfers: $26
Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home: $26
Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Show and Private Table: $28

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Istanbul $72

Cochin $9.91

Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:

Bosphurus Boat (for 2)

$0.56
Yerebatan Cistern for Two

$0.56
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two

$0.28
Hagia Sofia entrance

$0.85

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

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

Private 1 - 2 or 3-Days Tour: $4.19
Private Guided Walking Tour: $5.25
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Tour: $6.30
Bosphorus Cruise from Europe or Asia & Audio Guide: $7.30
Self Guided City Audio Tour of Istanbul: $7.32
Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour: $7.70
Basilica Cistern Guided Tour: $7.70
Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Expert Guide: $7.70
Bosphorus Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $7.81
Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise w/Live or Audio Guide: $7.88
Sightseeing Cruise Tour on the Bosphorus & Drinks: $7.90
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Snack: $8.05

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Istanbul $14

Cochin $8.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

Istanbul Pub Crawl by Yabangee: $20
Rooftop Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $22
Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $68

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cochin?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cochin. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Cochin, 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.

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

Should you visit Istanbul or Cochin?

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

Where Should I go: Istanbul or Cochin?

Istanbul

Cochin

Which place is cheaper, Cochin or Istanbul?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Cochin

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Cochin?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cochin?

Related Articles for Istanbul

Related Articles for Cochin

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

Should you visit Istanbul or Cochin?

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

Where Should I go: Istanbul or Cochin?

Istanbul

Cochin

Which place is cheaper, Cochin or Istanbul?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Cochin

Local Transportation

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Cochin?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Entertainment

Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cochin?

Related Articles for Istanbul

Related Articles for Cochin

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