Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Tangier?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Tangier, 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 Tangier?
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.
Tangier
Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.
After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.
In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Tangier $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Tangier is $61. 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 Tangier in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Tangier $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Tangier $46
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Tangier
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Tangier? 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 Tangier Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Tangier $23
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tangier
Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Ferry Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $19
- Tangier Airport Transfers: $23
- Tangier Private Transfers: $23
- One-way Luxury Tangier Airport or Port Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer to Tangier from Tangier City Port : $25
- Private Transfer to Tangier City from Airport or Vice Versa: $25
- Private Airport Transfers: $25
- Airport Transfer to Tanger City : $26
- Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $27
- Private Transfer : Tangier Airport (TNG) ⇆ Tangier City: $28
- Transfer Tangier Airport to Tangier City: $33
- Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Tangier?
Prices for flights to both Tangier 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 $31Tangier $20
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 Tangier
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:
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Fruit & Yogurt$1.69
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier
For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
- Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
- Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
- Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
- Tangier food tour : $71
- Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
- Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
- Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
- Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
- The Food tour of Tangier: $76
- Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Tangier $20
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
Tours and Activities in Tangier
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: $14
- Tangier City Tour Bus Hop On - Hop Off: $14
- From Marrakesh: Discover Essaouira Full-Day Tour: $17
- Tangier Stroll: Public Guided Tour: $17
- Tangier walking tour: $17
- Tangier Private Walking Tour with a Guide: $25
- Tangier Private Walking Tour: $26
- Tangier Guided Walking Experience: $26
- Touristic guide: $28
- Walking Tour Tangier Medina: $31
- 3 Hours Tangier walking Tour in Old Medina,Kasbah & berber market: $31
- Tangier Highlights Tour: Exploring the Cultural Gems: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Tangier $11
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 Tangier, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Tangier is in Africa, 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 Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Tangier.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Tangier Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Tangier?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tangier. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Tangier, 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 Tangier?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Istanbul or Tangier in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Tangier. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.
Istanbul is around the same temperature as Tangier in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Tangier fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tangier. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Tangier. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tangier 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)Tangier 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Tangier in the Autumn?
Both Tangier and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Tangier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Tangier averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Tangier. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Tangier. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Tangier 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Tangier in the Winter?
Both Tangier and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Tangier. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun.
Tangier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Tangier. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Tangier 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Tangier in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Tangier. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Istanbul is cooler than Tangier in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Tangier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Tangier. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Tangier 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Tangier and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Tangier | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (74°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) | 23°C (73°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.