Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Playa de las Americas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Playa de las Americas, 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 de las Americas?
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 de las Americas
If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Playa de las Americas $209
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is $209. 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 de las Americas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Playa de las Americas $123
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Playa de las Americas $246
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Playa de las Americas
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Playa de las Americas? 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 de las Americas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Playa de las Americas $60
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:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $749
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $466
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $321
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $287
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $282
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $225
- Full-Day Old City Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $210
- Layover Private Guided Istanbul City Tour with Transfers: $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Playa de las Americas?
Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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 de las Americas $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 de las Americas $32
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 de las Americas $9.18
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 de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 de las Americas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Playa de las Americas?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 3720 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Playa de las Americas, 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 de las Americas?
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 de las Americas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Playa de las Americas. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Playa de las Americas. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?
Both Playa de las Americas and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.
In October, Istanbul is generally cooler than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa de las Americas. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Playa de las Americas during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?
Both Playa de las Americas and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Istanbul is much colder than Playa de las Americas in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Playa de las Americas. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Playa de las Americas. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Istanbul is much colder than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Playa de las Americas during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Playa de las Americas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.