Which place is cheaper, Havana or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Havana?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Havana, 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Havana is $65. 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Havana $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Havana? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Havana $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
- Private Airport Transfer in Istanbul: $109
- Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $55
- 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $75
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $40
- Arrival & Departure Private Transfer in Istanbul: $43
- Arrival Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport to Istambul, Levent or Taksim by Bus: $65
- Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Van: $70
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
- CARPEDIEM : SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT LUXURY TRANSFER (Arrival/Departure): $45
- Daily Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car & Transfer from Istanbul: $73
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $31Havana $10
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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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
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All inclusive: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $22
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Havana $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $2.15
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.38
- City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.38
- Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.38
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.09
- Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $8.12
- Guided Boat Tour on the Bosphorus: $8.44
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.69
- Self Guided Virtual Tour of Hagia Sophia The Highlights: $9.82
- Hagia Sophia & Hippdrome Tour with Local Expert: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Havana $5.76
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $849
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Havana, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Havana?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Havana, 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 Havana?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Istanbul or Havana in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Havana. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Istanbul is generally cooler than Havana. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Havana. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Havana in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Havana. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Istanbul is much colder than Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Havana. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Havana in the Winter?
Both Havana and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Havana. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Havana in the Spring?
Both Havana and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
In April, Istanbul is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.