Which place is cheaper, Lima 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 Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Lima, 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $156Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $156, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $72Lima $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $144Lima $108
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $34Lima $6.25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private; Istanbul Cruise Port Transfer (Galataport): $5.76
- Princes Islands Tour with Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $5.76
- Princes' Islands Cruise with Lunch & Transfer: $6.23
- Istanbul VIP Shopping Experience with Transfers and Refreshments: $9.00
- Sapanca & Masukiye Day Tour from Istanbul with Lunch & Transfer: $15
- Princess Islands Day Trip w Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $16
- Princes' Islands Tour with Hotel Transfers: $17
- Princess Islands Day Trip w Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $18
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
- Princes’ Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $21
- Best of Old City Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $23
- Istanbul:Sultanahmet Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.92
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Taxi Ride$5.92
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Short Taxi Ride$4.44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.95
- LIM Airport Private Transfer to/from Lima Center/Barranco: $13
- Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Private taxi transfer: Lima Jorge Chávez Airport – Safe: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $16
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Lima Airport (LIM): $16
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima City hotels: $16
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $18
- Transfer To Lima Airport: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $57Lima $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show: $20
- Show Cruise & Dinner at Window Seat Private Table: $20
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show – Window Side Table Optional: $22
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Entertainment: $22
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night with Live Shows: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $29
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show: $30
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.74
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Ice cream$3.85
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Coffee$3.26
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Donut$1.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food Tours on the Forbidden Side of Lima (Min. 3 Guests – Max. 6): $5.00
- Local Food Tour at an Iconic Market!!: $24
- Private Churros Cooking Class, Miraflores & Hotel Pickup: $43
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $46
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Limeno Bites Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $38Lima $9.44
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.52
- Daily Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul with lunch: $5.00
- Small Group Evening Bosphorus Cruise & Snacks: $5.19
- Bosphorus Cruise from Europe or Asia & Audio Guide: $5.63
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Sunset Option: $5.76
- Bosphorus Sunset & Day Time Cruise, Drinks & Snack: $5.76
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.44
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $6.99
- Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul: $7.05
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour with Audio Guide: $7.78
- Walking Tour in Istanbul with Audio and Written Guide Balat&Asia: $8.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.52
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Miraflores Guided Walking Tour and Surquillo Market Experience: $5.00
- Walking Tour in the Historical Centre and China Town: $18
- Historic Lima & Catacombs Tour with Optional Pickup: $19
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $20
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $21
- The Real Lima Tour: Barrios, Local Culture & Flavors: $23
- City Tour in Lima: $23
- Jogging Activity through Tourist Places facing the Sea in Lima: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $10Lima $6.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Pub Crawl in Taksim: $14
- Explore Istanbul Night Life: Pub Crawl: $23
- Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $31
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $32
- Boat Party & Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $43
- Wine Tasting with Indigenous Local Varieties: $54
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $210
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.96
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Beer$4.44
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Cocktail$3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Discover Barranco's Nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $24
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Lima, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Lima is in South America, 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Lima?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Lima, 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 Lima?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Istanbul is a little warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Lima. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Lima. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Lima. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Lima. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Lima. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Istanbul is much colder than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lima. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.