Which place is cheaper, Novi Sad or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Novi Sad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Novi Sad, 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 Novi Sad?
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.
Novi Sad
Novi Sad is the capital city of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Novi Sad has a population of about 400,000 people and is located on the Danube River near Budapest and Belgrade.
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 Serbia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Belgrade.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Novi Sad $20
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Novi Sad is $20. 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 Novi Sad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Novi Sad $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Novi Sad $22
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Novi Sad
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Novi Sad? 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 Novi Sad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Novi Sad -
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Novi Sad
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Novi Sad:
- Belgrade airport transfers: $30
- Airport transfer from/to Novi Sad: $107
- Belgrade to Sarajevo via Novi Sad Private Transfer Tour: $287
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Novi Sad?
Prices for flights to both Novi Sad 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 $31Novi Sad $8.20
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Novi Sad -
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 Novi Sad
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Novi Sad are as follows:
- The city center and fortress Private Walking Tour: $29
- Novi Sad & Sremski Karlovci shared tour: $64
- Novi Sad city center and Petrovaradin fortress tour: $80
- Fruska Gora and Novi Sad Heritage & Gastro Private Tour: $171
- Private Customized Tour with a car: $209
- Novi Sad Private Walking Tour: $254
- From Belgrade: Novi Sad and Fruska Gora National Park Tour: $321
- City Highlights Walking Tour with Local Guide: $512
- Private Romantic Tour: $513
- 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour: $770
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Novi Sad -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Novi Sad
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Novi Sad:
- From Belgrade: Sremski Karlovci & Novi Sad with Wine Tasting: $80
- From Belgrade or Private Wine Tour in Fruska Gora: $185
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Novi Sad, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Novi Sad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Novi Sad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Novi Sad 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 Novi Sad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Novi Sad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Novi Sad?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Novi Sad. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Novi Sad, 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 Novi Sad?
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 Novi Sad in the Summer?
Both Novi Sad and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Novi Sad. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Novi Sad fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
It's quite sunny in Novi Sad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Novi Sad during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Novi Sad. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Novi Sad 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Novi Sad in the Autumn?
Both Novi Sad and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Istanbul is a little warmer than Novi Sad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Novi Sad fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 168 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Novi Sad. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Novi Sad 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Novi Sad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Novi Sad. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Novi Sad can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Novi Sad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Novi Sad averages at about -0°C (31°F).
Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Novi Sad receives 71 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Novi Sad. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Novi Sad -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Novi Sad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Novi Sad. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Novi Sad. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Novi Sad fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Novi Sad. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Novi Sad receives 178 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Novi Sad. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Novi Sad receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Novi Sad 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Novi Sad and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Novi Sad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 83 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.