Which place is cheaper, Lahore or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Lahore?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Lahore, 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 Lahore?
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.
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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 Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Lahore $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Lahore is $57. 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 Lahore in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Lahore $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Lahore $74
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Lahore
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Lahore? 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 Lahore Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Lahore $9.98
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:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $745
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $319
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $286
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $224
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $223
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-13pax): $218
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $211
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Lahore?
Prices for flights to both Lahore 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 $31Lahore $14
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.
- 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 Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $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
- Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Lahore $5.08
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:
- 2 Hours Ultimate Kebab Experience in Galata, Istanbul: $128
- 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
- Istanbul City Tour Full Day (ASIA AND EUROPE) and Bosphorus Tour: $120
- Istanbul Customized Daily Tour: $200
- 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 Private Istanbul Layover Tour : $220
Tours and Activities in Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahori Food Experience: $45
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Ladies Special: Lahore Half day Guided Shopping Tour: $90
- Lahore Half Day Private Tuk Tuk ( Trishaw ) Guided Tour : $95
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
- Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Lahore Guided Tour: $119
- Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Lahore $4.89
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 : $45
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 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: $840
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Lahore, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Lahore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Lahore 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 Lahore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lahore 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 Lahore.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Lahore Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Lahore?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Lahore. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Lahore, 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 Lahore?
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 Lahore in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Lahore. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Lahore. Istanbul is cooler than Lahore in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Lahore fluctuates around 33°C (91°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Lahore. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lahore receives 228 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Lahore. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Lahore. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Lahore 33°C (91°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lahore in the Autumn?
Both Lahore and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Lahore. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Lahore averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Lahore. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Lahore during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Lahore receives 290 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Lahore. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Lahore 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lahore in the Winter?
Both Lahore and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Lahore. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Lahore fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Lahore. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lahore receives 220 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Lahore. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Lahore 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lahore in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Lahore. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Istanbul is much colder than Lahore in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Lahore fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Lahore during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Lahore receives 278 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Lahore. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lahore receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Lahore 28°C (83°F)
Typical Weather for Lahore and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Lahore | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.