Should you visit Istanbul or Munich?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Munich, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
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.
Munich
Munich is the capital city of Bavaria and a top travel destination within Germany. It has stunning architecture and a cultural scene that rivals Berlin. It has some of the country's top museums, festivals, and concerts. Munich is most famous for its Oktoberfest, which is easily the busiest time of year in the city. The architecture is what surprises most travelers. It's quite impressive and truly adds to the character of the city. Although much of Munich was destroyed during World War II, the city has successfully rebuilt most of the buildings in their previous style. Much of the city remains as it was in the 1800s. There are two major research universities in Munich, helping to make it a center for engineering, business, and the sciences.
Which city is cheaper, Munich or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $91, while the average daily cost in Munich is $135. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Munich in more detail.
Accommodation
A hotel room in Istanbul is about $112 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
A hotel room in Munich is about $160 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Food
On average, meal and food prices in Istanbul cost around $23 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around $9.20.
Munich food costs typically run travelers around $25 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Istanbul $23
Munich $25
Typical Food prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Juice
$0.23
-
Turkish Delight
$0.07
-
Dessert
$0.96
-
Pastries
$0.17
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:
$29
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise Show:
$30
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Inc. Dinner and Belly Dance Show with Hotel Transfer:
$34
-
Alaturca Ottoman Dramatic Stage Show & Dinner Cruise ( Non - Alcoholic ):
$35
-
Bosphorus Dinner Show Cruise With Non Alcoholic Menu ISTANBUL Dinner cruise:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner & Show Cruise (All Inclusive):
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise An Unforgettable Experience in Istanbul:
$36
-
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show from Istanbul:
$37
-
Istanbul Cruise&Show with Dinner:
$37
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise & Show:
$39
-
Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Soft Drinks:
$40
-
Istanbul Dinner Cruise&Show:
$40
Typical Food prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.
-
Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress:
$200
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Istanbul is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $5.31 per person, per day, on local transportation in Istanbul.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $18 per day to get around in Munich.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
-
Ferry
$0.32
-
Local Bus
$0.34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
-
2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer:
$56
-
2 Ways Istanbul Airport Transfer:
$109
-
2 Ways Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfer:
$56
-
2-Hour Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Transfers:
$500
-
2m Transfer:
$85
-
4-Day Istanbul City Package including Full-Day Istanbul City Tour plus Airport Transfers:
$350
-
4-Day Wonderful Istanbul Including Accommodation Plus Transfer:
$474
-
Air Transfer Lines | Airport Transfer Service:
$44
-
Airport Transfer, Hotel Tranfer, Shuttle Service, Taxi Service:
$26
-
Airport private transfer to hotel and back:
$109
-
Arrival Private Transfers from New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car:
$123
-
City Center to Istanbul Airport (IST) Departure Transfers:
$87
Typical Local Transportation prices in Munich
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:
-
Single Zone Trip on Subway
$2.67
-
Inner District Subway Day Pass
$6.03
-
City transport day ticket
$13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:
-
Ultra - Munich Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Munich Airport MUC:
$9.41
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Munich to Munich Airport (MUC):
$47
-
Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Van Transfer:
$47
-
Private Business Transfer from Munich City Center to Munich Airport (MUC):
$60
-
Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Train Station in Business Car:
$65
-
Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Central Station in Luxury Van:
$71
-
Private Departure Transfer: Munich City Center to MUC Munich Airport:
$76
-
Munich to Munich Airport (MUC) - Departure Private Car Transfer:
$81
-
Private Departure Transfer from Munich City Hotels to Munich Airport MUC:
$82
-
Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Airport MUC in Luxury Van:
$93
-
Munich City Departure Private Transfer to Munich Central Station in Luxury Car:
$93
-
Munich Airport Transfers : Munich City to Munich Airport MUC in Business Car:
$112
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Munich?
Prices for flights to both Munich 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Istanbul typically cost an average of $33 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $27 per person, per day in Munich. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Typical Entertainment prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
-
Just Hagia Sophia Tour /Skip The Lines:
$8.71
-
VR Dervish Experience:
$10
-
Museum of Illusions Istanbul Ticket:
$11
-
Piri Self-Guided Audio Tour: Istanbul, Historical Peninsula:
$11
-
Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour:
$12
-
Bosphorus Cruise from Eminonu Pier with Audio App:
$12
-
Basilica Cistern VIP Tickets:
$12
-
Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque&Hippodrome Guided Tours Everyday /No que / No line!:
$12
-
Vip Ticket For Hagi̇a Sophi̇a:
$12
-
SEA LIFE Istanbul Entry Ticket:
$14
-
Istanbul LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Admission Ticket:
$15
-
Hagia Sophia: Entry with Guided Tour:
$16
Typical Entertainment prices in Munich
Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Tours and Activities in Munich
Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
SEA LIFE Munich Admission Ticket:
$18
-
Discover Munich 2-Hour Small Group Walking Tour:
$19
-
Call of the Isarnixe Tour:
$21
-
Skip the Line: Hard Rock Cafe Munich:
$24
-
Munich Card (Group) with public transport: Save at attractions & tours!:
$33
-
Nazi History 2-Hour Small Group Walking Tour:
$35
-
Munich (Professional Guides) 7 Guided Walking Tours:
$40
-
Private and personalized experience: see Munich with a local:
$69
-
The Old Court Chapel including museum tour:
$72
-
The Ultimate Munich History Experience: Private & Personalized:
$110
-
The Absolutely Must See Sights in Munich - 4-hour Private Walking Tour:
$117
-
History & Food - Private Walking Tour Munich 4 hours with English-speaking guide:
$117
Alcohol
The average person spends about $8.13 on alcoholic beverages in Istanbul per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Munich may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $34 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
-
Daily Tekirdag Wine Tasting Tour from Istanbul:
$427
Typical Alcohol prices in Munich
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Munich, we can see that Munich is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Munich would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Munich than you might in Istanbul.
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