Which city is cheaper, Edinburgh or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Edinburgh, 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.
Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for theater, nightlife, and live music.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edinburgh and Istanbul. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Both Istanbul and Edinburgh have interesting landmarks and museums for visitors.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.
The museums and tourist attractions in Edinburgh are world-renowned. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland.
Most foodies will appreciate the restaurant options in Istanbul a bit more than Edinburgh.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Istanbul is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edinburgh. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon.
Evening events are similar in both Istanbul and Edinburgh.
Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub.
Edinburgh has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from.
Istanbul and Edinburgh both have historical old towns that attract visitors.
Istanbul offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.
Edinburgh has a world-famous historical area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.
Both Istanbul and Edinburgh are good shopping destinations.
Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.
Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds.
Istanbul and Edinburgh are both fun destinations for the whole family.
Istanbul is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Edinburgh is very family-friendly. There are a variety of unique activities for families in town including exploring Edinburgh Castle, a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon, and of course, following the Harry Potter Trail.
Istanbul and Edinburgh are both fun to visit as a couple.
Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here.
Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels.
Both Istanbul and Edinburgh are popular destinations for backpackers.
Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.
Many backpackers visit Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with.
Istanbul and Edinburgh are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.
Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.
Students come from all over to stay in Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.
While Edinburgh and Istanbul both provide public transit, overall the system in Istanbul is considered to be better.
Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.
Edinburgh has some public transit options. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.
Istanbul and Edinburgh both are comparable when exploring on foot.
Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around
In either Istanbul or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than Edinburgh because of the overall number of sights and activities.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Istanbul is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Edinburgh is 1-5 days.
People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers theater and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Edinburgh is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
People visit Istanbul because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
Edinburgh is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Edinburgh, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Istanbul is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Istanbul, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Edinburgh is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $43, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $144. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Edinburgh in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Edinburgh? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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.
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Istanbul.
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Both Edinburgh and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Istanbul is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July are around 24°C (74°F), and Edinburgh is about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Edinburgh. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Edinburgh stays around 10°C (49°F).
Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Edinburgh. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. Istanbul is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The temperature in Istanbul is usually 6°C (43°F) in January, and Edinburgh stays around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Edinburgh and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the natural beauty.
In the spring, Istanbul is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April are around 13°C (55°F), and Edinburgh is about 7°C (45°F).
Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Istanbul | Edinburgh | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.