A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Tamil Nadu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Tamil Nadu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Tamil Nadu, 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 Tamil Nadu?

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.

Tamil Nadu

Located in southern India, Tamil Nadu is a state best known for the capital city of Chennai which has beautiful beaches and historic colonial landmarks, as well as a significant number of Hindu temples which are prevalent throughout the region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, and The Best Luxury Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Tamil Nadu or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Istanbul Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Tamil Nadu Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Istanbul $157
    Tamil Nadu $19

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $157, while the average daily cost in Tamil Nadu is $19. 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 Tamil Nadu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $73
    Tamil Nadu $7.76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $146
    Tamil Nadu $16
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Tamil Nadu

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Tamil Nadu? 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 Tamil Nadu


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 $34
    Tamil Nadu $1.37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

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


  • Metro Cards
    $4.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • İstanbul Private Arrival Transfer: $70
  • İstanbul Private Airport Transfer: $108
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer: $51
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer: $87
  • İstanbul Airport Transfer: $52
  • İstanbul Airport Private Transfer Services: $82
  • istanbul Airport Transfer: $49
  • Viaport Theme Park Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $45
  • Viaport Lion Park Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $150
  • Viaport Aquarium Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $35
  • Viaport Aquapark Ticket with Optional Hotel Transfer: $65
  • VIP Airport Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Tamil Nadu?

Prices for flights to both Tamil Nadu 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 $58
    Tamil Nadu $7.14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $26
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $28
  • Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $29
  • İstanbul Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show - Pvt. Table: $30
  • Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
  • Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
  • Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $38
    Tamil Nadu $2.23

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
  • 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $280
  • 1 Perfect Day in Istanbul Private Guided Tour of the City’s Icons: $250
  • 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $80
  • 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
  • 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
  • 2 Hours Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise: $12
  • 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
  • 2-Days Private Walking Tour in Istanbul: $300
  • 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12
  • 3 Day Guided Private Tour in Istanbul: $200
  • 4 Hours Istanbul Old City Walking & Shopping Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $10
    Tamil Nadu $2.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $17
  • Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Tamil Nadu, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Tamil Nadu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Tamil Nadu is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tamil Nadu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tamil Nadu 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 Tamil Nadu.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Tamil Nadu Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Istanbul or Tamil Nadu?

Tamil Nadu has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Istanbul. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Tamil Nadu, 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.