Which place is cheaper, Playa Blanca or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Playa Blanca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Playa Blanca, 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 Playa Blanca?
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.
Playa Blanca
Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Playa Blanca $166
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Playa Blanca is $166. 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 Playa Blanca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Playa Blanca $87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Playa Blanca $174
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Playa Blanca
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Playa Blanca? 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 Playa Blanca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Playa Blanca $52
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:
- İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer : $56
- İstanbul New Airport Transfer : $87
- İstanbul Airport Transfer(Airport to Hotel,Hotel to Airport): $62
- İstanbul Airport Transfer : Your reliable & Stress-Free ride: $55
- İstanbul Airport Private Transfer: $76
- istanbul airport transfer: $27
- VIP Transfer from Hotel, Airbnb To Istanbul Airport: $60
- VIP Transfer from Hotel to Airport in Istanbul: $27
- Two Ways Sabiha Gokcen Airport VIP Transfer: $87
- Two Ways Istanbul Airport VIP Transfer: $98
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul HTL-APT (SAW): $52
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Istanbul APT-HTL (SAW): $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Playa Blanca?
Prices for flights to both Playa Blanca 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 $31Playa Blanca $48
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 $79Playa Blanca $21
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:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Green Bursa ~ Uludag Mountain, private Tour;Solo ;Groups: $60
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
- 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul: $432
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Playa Blanca $9.95
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 Playa Blanca, we can see that Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa Blanca than you might in Istanbul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Playa Blanca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Playa Blanca?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 1120 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Playa Blanca, 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 Playa Blanca?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Istanbul or Playa Blanca in the Summer?
Both Playa Blanca and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Playa Blanca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Playa Blanca. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa Blanca receives 282 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Playa Blanca. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Playa Blanca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Playa Blanca. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Playa Blanca. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Playa Blanca during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Playa Blanca receives 224 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Playa Blanca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Playa Blanca. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Istanbul is much colder than Playa Blanca in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Playa Blanca. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa Blanca receives 204 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Playa Blanca. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Playa Blanca in the Spring?
Both Playa Blanca and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Istanbul is much colder than Playa Blanca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Playa Blanca during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Playa Blanca receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Playa Blanca and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Playa Blanca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.