A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Playa del Ingles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Playa del Ingles?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles?

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 del Ingles

Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Playa del Ingles is $193. 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 del Ingles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $47
    Playa del Ingles $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $94
    Playa del Ingles $198
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Playa del Ingles

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Playa del Ingles? 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.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Playa del Ingles


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $55
    Playa del Ingles $66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.09
  • 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 del Ingles?

Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Istanbul $31
    Playa del Ingles $52
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.06
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.26
  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $79
    Playa del Ingles $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.62
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.62
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.31
  • 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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $15
    Playa del Ingles $8.42

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 del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Playa del Ingles?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles?

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 del Ingles in the Summer?

Both Playa del Ingles and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is around the same temperature as Playa del Ingles in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 293 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Playa del Ingles. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Playa del Ingles. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Ingles this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Ingles during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Playa del Ingles. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Playa del Ingles. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 187 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Playa del Ingles. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?

Both Playa del Ingles and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is much colder than Playa del Ingles in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa del Ingles. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Ingles during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Istanbul

Istanbul Playa del Ingles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 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) 21°C (70°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)