Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Mostar?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Mostar, 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 Mostar?
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.
Mostar
Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Mostar $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Mostar is $70. 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 Mostar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Mostar $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Mostar $72
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Mostar
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Mostar? 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 Mostar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Mostar $8.65
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:
- Princes' Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $13
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Cruise Port: $19
- Istanbul City to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)-Departure Private Transfer: $20
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Private One-Way New Istanbul Airport Transfer To/From Istanbul: $21
- Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Istanbul Airport (SAW) to Istanbul - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Istanbul to Istanbul Airport (SAW) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Istanbul Airport Private Transfers: $22
- Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer: $24
- Istanbul Airport VIP/ULTRA VIP Transfer, Free WIFI: $25
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Cruise Port: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:
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Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)$22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
- Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
- Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
- Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
- Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
- From Scenic Private Transfer to Dubrovnik: $267
- Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
- Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Mostar?
Prices for flights to both Mostar 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 $31Mostar $26
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
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
- 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 Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $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
Typical Food Prices in Mostar
Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:
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A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)$15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.
- Mostar street food tour: $57
- Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
- Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Mostar $9.37
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: $2.14
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.35
- Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
- Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.35
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.08
- Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.87
- Daytime or Sunset Sightseeing Cruise & Audio Guide: $8.06
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.62
- The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11
Tours and Activities in Mostar
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:
- Museum of War and Genocide Victims 1992-1995 Entrance Ticket: $5.94
- Walking tour in Old Town Mostar: $18
- Walking Tour in Old Town Mostar: $20
- Mostar city Tour: $22
- Mostar Walking Tour: Orient in the West: $22
- Mostar in War: Historical Walking Tour: $22
- Street Art Guided Tour in Mostar: $22
- Mostar Private Walking Tour - where East meets West: $32
- Mostar Shelters tour in Mostar: $37
- The Ottoman Experience Tour in Mostar: $37
- The Death of Yugoslavia Tour in Mostar: $38
- Private Half-Day Oriental Tour of Mostar with Food Tasting: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Mostar $3.71
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $844
Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:
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A Few Drinks (for 2)$6.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:
- 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
- Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Mostar, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Mostar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mostar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mostar 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 Mostar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Mostar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Mostar?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Mostar. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Mostar, 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 Mostar?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Istanbul or Mostar in the Summer?
Both Mostar and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Mostar. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Mostar. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Mostar. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Mostar 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Mostar in the Autumn?
Both Mostar and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.
Istanbul is around the same temperature as Mostar in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun.
Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Mostar. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Mostar 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Mostar in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Mostar. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the winter, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Mostar. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Mostar averages at about 6°C (42°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.
Mostar receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Mostar. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Mostar 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Mostar in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Mostar. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Istanbul is generally cooler than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mostar. Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Mostar. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Mostar 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Mostar and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Mostar | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 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.