Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Istanbul or Jaisalmer?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Jaisalmer, 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 Jaisalmer?
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.
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
-
Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesJaisalmer Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $149Jaisalmer $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $149, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $41. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $69Jaisalmer $12
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $138Jaisalmer $24
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Jaisalmer
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Jaisalmer? 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 and Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $32Jaisalmer $11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Metro Cards$4.29
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: $290
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $262
- Private Transfer from Sabiha Gökcen Airport to Istanbul Airport: $262
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $222
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $222
- Gallipoli Day Trip from Lunch & Hotel Transfers: $200
- Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $189
- Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $182
- Cappadocia Private Tour, Transfers from Local Hotels or Istanbul: $181
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Layover Flight. Transfer incl.: $175
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer
Also for Jaisalmer, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jaisalmer Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $8.17
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaisalmer Airport To Hotel: $11
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Khuri Sand Dunes: $19
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Sam Sand Dunes: $19
- Jaiselmer to Bikaner drop Private Transfers Car service: $27
- Private Jaiselmer Hotels to Jodhpur Drop – (To/From Transfers): $33
- One Way Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Transfer: $39
- One Way Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur: $42
- Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $45
- From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
- From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
- Jaisalmer to Jodhpur Private Transfer with Door to Door AC Car: $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Jaisalmer?
Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 dayIstanbul $55Jaisalmer $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Bosphorus Night Cruise Dinner and Dance Show,Transfer included: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Turkish Night Show Experience: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $31
Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaisalmer:
-
Dinner$4.21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- off beat Desert safari with sunset and dinner: $10
- Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $13
- Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $25
- Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $25
- Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $25
- Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
- Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $32
- Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
- Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
- Cooking Class with Local Family & Rooftop Meal: $37
- Jeep Camel Ride, Musical Evening & Traditional Buffet Dinner: $37
- Blissful Half-Day Sunset Camel Safari, Musical Eve & Dinner: $38
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $36Jaisalmer $11
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: $274
- 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 Days Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $75
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
- 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $103
- 2 - Hours Bosphorus Yacht Cruise: $299
- 2 Day Cappadocia Tour with Istanbul Flights &Hot Air Balloon Tour: $285
- 2 Days Cappadocia Tour with Hotel Flights and Hot Air Balloon: $200
- 2 Full Days Guided Istanbul City Tour With Skip the Line Entry: $194
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer
For Jaisalmer, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Sam Sand Dunes for Two$3.16
Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaisalmer.
- City Sightseeing with Experienced Guide: $2.96
- Guided City Tour with Desert Safari: $4.23
- Billions of Stars Experience with Thar Desert & Camel Safari: $5.29
- Temple Tour Of Jaisalmer Rajasthan: $5.45
- Sam Sand Dunes Sunset Tour with Camel Ride: $8.00
- 2 Days Sharing Group Thar Desert Safari Adventure Tour: $8.60
- Jaisalmer Fort Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.52
- Nomadic Non Touristic Overnight Thar Desert & Camel Safari: $9.52
- Colorful Markets of Jaisalmer (3 Hour Guided Tour): $11
- Explore Jaisalmer at Night (2 Hour Guided Walking Tour): $11
- 2-Day Thar Desert Experience: $11
- Cultural & Heritage Trails of Jaisalmer (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $9.85Jaisalmer $8.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $16
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Pub Crawl Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Taksim Pera Wine Tasting 3 Hour Guided Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Jaisalmer, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Jaisalmer Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Jaisalmer?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Jaisalmer. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Jaisalmer, 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.
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.