Which place is cheaper, Pecs or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Pecs?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Pecs, 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 Pecs?
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.
Pecs
Located in southwest Hungary, Pecs is a pleasant university town with a history that dates back to Roman times - a history evident in its ancient architecture. Some of the most sought after sites include the Early Christian Necropolis, the Mosque of Pasha Quasim, and the Cathedral of Pecs.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Hungary, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Pecs $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Pecs is $80. 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 Pecs in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Pecs $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Pecs $74
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Pecs
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Pecs? 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 Pecs Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Pecs $17
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:
- Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
- Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Private Transfer Service: $35
- Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $55
- 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $75
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $34
- Airport transfer Istanbul: $46
- Arrival & Departure Private Transfer in Istanbul: $43
- Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Van: $70
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
- CARPEDIEM : SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT LUXURY TRANSFER (Arrival/Departure): $45
- Daily Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car & Transfer from Istanbul: $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pecs
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pecs:
- Pécs - Budapest Transfer: $149
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Pecs?
Prices for flights to both Pecs 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 $31Pecs $29
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 Pecs
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pecs:
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Dinner for Two$24
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Pecs $17
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 Pecs
Here are a few actual costs in Pecs for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Mineral Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Pecs $8.30
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Pecs, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Pecs much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pecs would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pecs 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 Pecs.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Pecs Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Pecs?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Pecs. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Pecs, 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 Pecs?
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 Pecs in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Pecs. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Pecs. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Pecs fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pecs this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Pecs during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 302 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Pecs. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Pecs 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Pecs in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Pecs. 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.
Istanbul is a little warmer than Pecs in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Pecs fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 169 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Pecs. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Pecs 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Pecs in the Winter?
Both Pecs and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Pecs can be very cold. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Pecs. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Pecs averages at about 0°C (32°F).
Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Pecs receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Pecs. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Pecs 0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Pecs in the Spring?
Both Pecs and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Pecs. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Pecs fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pecs. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pecs receives 187 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Pecs. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pecs receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Pecs 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Pecs and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Pecs | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 0°C (32°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 2°C (36°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.