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

Should you visit Istanbul or Haridwar?

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

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

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.

Haridwar

A spiritual journey is not complete without a trip to Haridwar as it is the lands of legends and tales cleansed by the Holy Ganga and regarded as the Holiest places for washing of sins. Haridwar is located on the foothills of the Himalayas making the place a truly memorable experience. After making a Haridwar Darshan, you will find most of your answers regarding the unknown and uncertainties. Rishikesh is very close to Haridwar, for waking the adrenaline rush in you. One can plan out so many activities to do in Haridwar for a fun filling vacation.

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


Which place is cheaper, Haridwar 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
    Haridwar Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Istanbul $157
    Haridwar $34

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $157, while the average daily cost in Haridwar is $34. 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 Haridwar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $73
    Haridwar $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $146
    Haridwar $26
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Haridwar

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Haridwar? 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 Haridwar


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 Haridwar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $34
    Haridwar $4.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

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


  • Metro Cards
    $4.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Private Cultural Tours, Hotel Transfers Including: $299
  • Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $296
  • Istanbul Old City Private Tour With Professional Guide & Transfer: $274
  • Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $268
  • Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $190
  • Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $182
  • Istanbul Airport Cruise Port Hotel Transfer with Private Vehicle: $175
  • Istanbul to Truva Troy Guided Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $167
  • Private Transfers Between Istanbul New Airport - Istanbul Far Anatolian Side: $166
  • Istanbul NEW Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $157
  • Private Transfers Between Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Ap - Istanbul EU Side Southwest: $154

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haridwar

Also for Haridwar, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Affordable Dehradun Airport Transfer.: $15
  • Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Dehradun Airport: $20
  • Affordable Dehradun airport transfer to Rishikesh: $20
  • Dehradun Airport (DED) to Rishikesh Private Taxi Transfer Service: $20
  • Private Transfer from Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh: $35
  • Private Transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $38
  • Affordable transfer from Haridwar to Delhi: $39
  • Affordable transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $39
  • Private Transfer from Rishikesh to Delhi: $41
  • Rishikesh: Mini Gartang Gali Guided Half-Day Trek with Transfers: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Haridwar?

Prices for flights to both Haridwar 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 $58
    Haridwar $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

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

  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $26
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
  • Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
  • İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
  • Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
  • Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
  • Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Haridwar

For Haridwar, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Rishikesh: Sattvic Cooking Class : Cook & Dine With Miss Anju: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $38
    Haridwar $8.04

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

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

  • "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
  • 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $280
  • 1 Perfect Day in Istanbul Private Guided Tour of the City’s Icons: $250
  • 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $80
  • 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
  • 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
  • 2 Hours Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise: $12
  • 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
  • 2-Days Private Walking Tour in Istanbul: $300
  • 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
  • 3 Day Guided Private Tour in Istanbul: $200
  • 4 Hours Istanbul Old City Walking & Shopping Tour: $150

Tours and Activities in Haridwar

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Haridwar.

  • 6D Char Dham Yatra Immersive VR Experience at Haridwar: $2.98
  • Sightseeing around Mussoorie: $7.01
  • Nature Walk of Mussoorie (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $11
  • Guided Night Walking Tour in Rishikesh - Explore the best nightlife with a local: $11
  • Ashram Tour By Walk in Rishikesh (Private Tour): $12
  • River Rafting Adventure In Rishikesh: $13
  • Cultural Walking Tour with Local Snacks in Rishikesh: $15
  • Landour Infinity Walk - A Guided Walking Tour Of Landour: $16
  • Private Walking Tour in Rishikesh: $18
  • Guided Food Crawl Tour of Mussoorie with a local: $21
  • Guided Food Walking Tour in Rishikesh with a local - Best of Culture & History: $21
  • Pottery in Rishikesh A Healing Clay Experience: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $10
    Haridwar $5.98

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $17
  • Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209


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

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


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Haridwar?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Haridwar. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Haridwar, 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.