Which place is cheaper, Kerala or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Kerala?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Kerala, 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 Kerala?
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.
Kerala
Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.
This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.
Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.
The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.
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 India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesKerala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $149Kerala $29
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $149, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $29. 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 Kerala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $69Kerala $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $138Kerala $22
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Kerala
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Kerala? 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 $32Kerala $4.38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $35
- Airport Transfer: $61
- Airport Transfer 1 to 6 Passengers: $57
- Airport Transfer Hotel Transfer Istanbul Transfer: $63
- Airport Transfer to Istanbul City with Minivan: $40
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Business Car: $65
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Luxury Van: $70
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW by Luxury Van: $69
- Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Luxury Van: $70
- Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul by Business Car: $64
- Airport transfer Istanbul: $57
- Arrival Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:
- Kochi: Kathakali, Theyyam & Kalaripayattu Show with Transfers: $11
- Cochin Airport One Way Transfer(Private): $14
- Affordable Trivandrum Airport Transfer: $15
- Theyyam and Kalaripayattu Show in Kochi with Transfer: $17
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Fort Kochi/City Hotels: $20
- Cochin - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer: Trivandrum Airport to City Hotels: $30
- Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Kochi Hotels: $32
- Airport Transfer: Cochin Port Cruise Terminal to Cochin International Airport: $35
- Private Transfer: Trivandrum Airport (TRV) to Kovalam Hotels: $35
- Affordable transfer from Kochi to Munnar: $40
- Kochi: Private Transfers To Wayanad, Munnar, Alleppey & More: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Kerala?
Prices for flights to both Kerala 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 $55Kerala $13
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.
- Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
- Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $20
- WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $25
- Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
- Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $38
- Fisherman Village Tour in Marari Cooking, Crafts and Culture: $40
- Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
- Evening Tour of Kochi with Kathakali and Dinner: $55
- Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
- Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75
- Kerala Cooking Class with Charming Freeda in her Kochi Home: $79
- Kochi Over View: Kathakali, Dinner, Pick & Drop Included Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $36Kerala $8.58
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Daily Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul with lunch: $3.00
- Istanbul Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.02
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Europe: $5.89
- Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.30
- Istanbul Üsküdar: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.79
- Istanbul Fatih: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.79
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour Exploring Two Empires: $6.84
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $6.99
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.17
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $7.53
- Bosphorus Cruise 2-3 Hour Cruises with Optional Asia Stop & Meal: $7.99
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset and Day Time Sightseeing Cruise: $7.99
Tours and Activities in Kerala
Here are a few actual costs in Kerala for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tuk-Tuk Shopping Tour in Kochi – Spices,Crafts,Silks & Souvenirs: $6.00
- Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour With Pickup From Cruise Ships: $7.17
- Local Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $8.00
- Fort Kochi Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $8.50
- Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $8.69
- Cruise Pickup Tuk Tuk Heritage Tour in Fort Kochi: $8.69
- Fort Kochi Local Sightseeing Tour: $9.00
- Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup From Cruise Ships: $9.00
- Half-Day Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Fort Kochi: $9.32
- Shikara Boat Tour Alleppey Backwater Fantastic Boat Cruise: $9.50
- Fort Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $9.77
- Authentic Tuk Tuk Heritage Tour of Kochi with Local Guide: $9.77
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $9.85Kerala $4.54
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 Kerala, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Kerala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Kerala 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 Kerala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kerala 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 Kerala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Kerala Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Istanbul or Kerala?
Kerala has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Istanbul. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Kerala, 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.