Should you visit Istanbul or Copenhagen?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Copenhagen, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
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.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.
Which city is cheaper, Copenhagen or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $54, while the average daily cost in Copenhagen is $169. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Copenhagen in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Istanbul is about $66 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Travelers usually pay around $146 for a double occupancy room in Copenhagen If you want to be in a premiere location or have high end amenities, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Istanbul is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $3.17 per person, per day, on local transportation in Istanbul.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Copenhagen than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $59 on transportation in Copenhagen on average per day.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry
$0.19
-
Local Bus
$0.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
-
İstanbul Private Airport Transfer:
$19
-
İstanbul Airport Transfer:
$45
-
istanbul airport transfer-sabiha gokcen airport transfer-vip transfer:
$28
-
istanbul airport cheapest vip transfer by private car:
$14
-
istanbul airport & sabiha gokcen airport transfer by private car:
$30
-
VIP Transfer Services for Airports, Hotels or Other Location:
$80
-
VIP Airport Transfer and Shuttle:
$62
-
VIP Airport Transfer:
$56
-
Turkish Bath in Istanbul with transfer:
$199
-
Transfer in Private Vehicle from Istanbul Old City to Sabiha Gokcen Airport:
$57
-
Transfer in Private Vehicle from Istanbul Old City to Istanbul Airport:
$51
-
Transfer in Private Minivan from Istanbul Old City to Sabiha Gokcen Airport:
$61
Typical Local Transportation prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen
Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Ultra - Copenhagen Private Airport Transfer City Centre to Copenhagen Airport:
$8.71
-
Copenhagen hotel/address to Copenhagen Port - Private Car Transfer:
$70
-
Deluxe Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport:
$71
-
Private Departure Transfer from Copenhagen City to CPH Copenhagen Airport:
$86
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport (CPH):
$86
-
Copenhagen hotel/address to Malmö City - Private Car Transfer:
$91
-
Copenhagen hotel/address to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)- Departure Private Transfer:
$93
-
Departure Private Transfer Copenhagen to Copenhagen Port in Luxury Van:
$97
-
Copenhagen City to Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE)- Departure Private Transfer:
$112
-
Departure Private Transfer Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport CPH by Business Car:
$118
-
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Private Transfer:
$124
-
Departure Private Transfer: Copenhagen to Copenhagen Airport CPH in Business Car:
$124
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Copenhagen?
Prices for flights to both Copenhagen 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
On average, meal and food prices in Istanbul cost around $14 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $5.60.
The price of a meal in Copenhagen can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is $51 per person, and a typical meal will cost around $20 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Istanbul $14
Copenhagen $51
Typical Food prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice
$0.13
-
Turkish Delight
$0.04
-
Dessert
$0.57
-
Pastries
$0.10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show:
$29
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show:
$30
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer:
$34
-
Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ):
$35
-
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive):
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul:
$37
-
Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner:
$37
-
Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus:
$38
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show:
$39
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise with Sema Ceremony:
$40
Typical Food prices in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Private Copenhagen Street Food Tour with a Local Foodie:
$94
-
Traditional Nordic and Danish Cooking Class with an Expert Local:
$97
-
Sweden Daytrip: Food Tour to Malmö:
$1,724
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Istanbul typically cost an average of $20 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Sightseeing expenses in Copenhagen, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $24 per day, per person.
Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
-
1 Day - Istanbul Tour:
$315
-
1 Day Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour From Istanbul:
$300
-
1 Day Istanbul & Ephesus Tour By Plane - YK230:
$419
-
1 Day Regular Cappadocia Tour by Plane - YK0011:
$384
-
1 Day Tour - Sapanca:
$300
-
1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$496
-
1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Travel from Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$509
-
1 Night 1 Day Cappadocia Trip from/to Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$513
-
1 Night 1 Day Trip from Istanbul to Cappadocia - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$490
-
1 Night 2 Days Cappadocia Trip from/to Istanbul - Including Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$521
-
1 Night 2 Days Ephesus, Kusadasi, Hierapolis & Pamukkale Tour from/to Istanbul:
$372
-
1 Night Cappadocia Trip with Hot Air Balloon Tour:
$525
Typical Entertainment prices in Copenhagen
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Boat Tour
$8.51
-
Coffee
$13
Tours and Activities in Copenhagen
For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
Experience The Little Mermaid's story in Copenhagen:
$7.35
-
Copenhagen Self-Guided Audio Tour:
$12
-
Copenhagen Old City Train Tours:
$14
-
1-Hour Canal Cruise from Ved Stranden or Nyhavn:
$15
-
Skip the Line: Tivoli Gardens Admission Ticket:
$22
-
Trail Running Adventure from Nørreport Station:
$27
-
Skip The Line: Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen:
$36
-
Tivoli Gardens Unlimited Rides Ticket:
$37
-
2-Hour City Walking Tour:
$40
-
Copenhagen Welcome Tour: Private Tour with a Local:
$40
-
Skip the Line: Tivoli Gardens 1-Day Unlimited Rides Ticket:
$41
-
Skip the Line: Tivoli Gardens 1-Day Unlimited Rides Ticket PLUS:
$50
Alcohol
The average person spends about $4.85 on alcoholic beverages in Istanbul per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Typically, people visiting Copenhagen spend on average $11 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
-
Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul:
$427
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Copenhagen, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Istanbul.
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