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

Should you visit Istanbul or Ezcaray?

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

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

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.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

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 Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Ezcaray is $119. 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 Ezcaray in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $47
    Ezcaray $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $94
    Ezcaray $120
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Ezcaray

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Ezcaray? 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.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Ezcaray


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 Ezcaray Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $55
    Ezcaray $22
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

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


  • Ferry
    $0.09
  • Local Bus
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer : $56
  • İstanbul New Airport Transfer : $87
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer(Airport to Hotel,Hotel to Airport): $62
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer : Your reliable & Stress-Free ride: $55
  • İstanbul Airport Private Transfer: $76
  • istanbul airport transfer: $27
  • VIP Transfer from Hotel, Airbnb To Istanbul Airport: $60
  • VIP Transfer from Hotel to Airport in Istanbul: $27
  • Two Ways Sabiha Gokcen Airport VIP Transfer: $87
  • Two Ways Istanbul Airport VIP Transfer: $98
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul HTL-APT (SAW): $52
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul APT-HTL (SAW): $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Ezcaray?

Prices for flights to both Ezcaray 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 $31
    Ezcaray $42
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

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


  • Juice
    $0.06
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.26
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $79
    Ezcaray $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

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


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.62
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.62
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.31
  • 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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $15
    Ezcaray $20

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 comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Ezcaray, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Ezcaray?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 5300 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Ezcaray, 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 Ezcaray?

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.

Should I visit Istanbul or Ezcaray in the Summer?

Both Ezcaray and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Ezcaray. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Ezcaray in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Ezcaray. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Ezcaray in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Ezcaray. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ezcaray. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Istanbul usually gets less rain in January than Ezcaray. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Ezcaray in the Spring?

Both Ezcaray and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Ezcaray in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Istanbul

Istanbul Ezcaray
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)