Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Luxor?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Luxor or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Luxor or Istanbul? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Luxor or Istanbul?
Luxor
Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.
The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.
Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Egypt, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Luxor Prices
Egypt PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLuxor $29Istanbul $149
The average daily cost (per person) in Luxor is $29, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $149. 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 Luxor and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLuxor $9.68Istanbul $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLuxor $19Istanbul $138
Compare Hotels in Luxor and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Luxor or Istanbul? 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: Luxor Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Luxor $4.87Istanbul $32
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:
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Taxi Ride$0.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:
- Private VIP Luxor Airport Transfer with Meet and Greet: $5.00
- Luxor Airport Private Departure Transfer: $6.00
- Private Transfer from & to Luxor Airport from Any Hotel in Luxor: $6.00
- Private Transfer Between Luxor Airport & Any Hotel: $6.00
- Private Transfer From/To Luxor International Airport: $7.00
- Transfers from Luxor Airport to Hotels or to Nile Cruise: $7.00
- Pick up Transfers From Luxor Airport To Luxor Hotels: $7.50
- Pickup Transfers And Taxi Services From Hotel In Luxor To Luxor Airport: $7.50
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Luxor Airport: $7.99
- Private transfer from/to Luxor train station: $8.00
- Luxor Private Transfer Hotel to Airport or vice versa: $8.00
- Luxor Private Transfer From East&west Banks hotels to the Airport: $8.00
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Metro Cards$4.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $35
- Airport Transfer: $61
- Airport Transfer 1 to 6 Passengers: $57
- Airport Transfer Hotel Transfer Istanbul Transfer: $63
- Airport Transfer to Istanbul City with Minivan: $40
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Business Car: $65
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST by Luxury Van: $70
- Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW by Luxury Van: $69
- Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Luxury Van: $70
- Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul by Business Car: $64
- Airport transfer Istanbul: $57
- Arrival Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul by Business Car: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Luxor or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Luxor 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 dayLuxor $14Istanbul $55
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Luxor.
- Tourist market,local food tour,the gym and coffee in Luxor: $19
- Luxury Nile Sunset Felucca Sail | Private Dinner - Hotel Transfer: $20
- Luxor West Bank By Night and Alabaster Museum Tour with Dinner: $30
- Enjoy lunch or dinner al fresco at Luxor Farm: $30
- Traditional Egyptian Cooking Experience with Luxor Local Family: $35
- Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
- Nile River Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Luxor (private Tour): $44
- Sunset Felucca Ride and Banana Island with Lunch or Dinner Luxor: $45
- Experience Egyptian cooking at Luxor Farm: $48
- 3-Hour Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $65
- Felucca at Sunset and Dinner at an Egyptian House in Luxor: $75
- Luxor East Bank Private Experience with Authentic Cooking Class: $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Food Tour 30 Tasting Stops with Audio Maps Written Guide: $8.00
- Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
- Dinner and Turkish Night Show in Bosphorus Strait: $29
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $29
- Bosphorus Night Cruise Dinner and Dance Show,Transfer included: $30
- Bosphorus Turkish Night Show and Dinner Cruise with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Show with Private Table: $30
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Turkish Night Show Experience: $30
- Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Luxor $8.97Istanbul $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor
Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Boat Ride (for 2)$0.49
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Temple Karnak for Two$2.36
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Camel Ride for Two$1.09
Tours and Activities in Luxor
Here are a few actual costs in Luxor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Souvenir Shopping Tour, Luxor: $5.13
- Medinet Habu Temple QR Code Entry Ticket: $6.50
- Private Half Day Tour:Valley of Kings & Hatshepsut Temple& Memnon: $7.60
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the kings & Hatshepsut Temple and Memnon: $9.00
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple & Mamnon: $9.00
- Private Tour: Valley of the Kings & Hatchepsut Temple &Tut's Tomb: $9.70
- Private Half Day Luxor Tour Valley of Kings & Queens, Hatshepsut: $9.88
- Private Half-Day Tour: Exploring Luxor's East Bank: $10
- Explore Luxor in amazing City Tour, guide / Horse carriage: $10
- Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $10
- Half Day Tour: Valley of the Kings &Hatchepsut Temple &Tut's Tomb: $10
- Half Day Tour in Karnak Temple From East Bank of Luxor: $10
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Daily Bursa and Uludag Tour from Istanbul with lunch: $3.00
- Istanbul Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.02
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise from Europe: $5.89
- Istanbul Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h and 22 audio reviews: $6.30
- Istanbul Üsküdar: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.79
- Istanbul Fatih: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.79
- Self-Guided Podcast Tour Exploring Two Empires: $6.84
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $6.99
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.17
- 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $7.53
- Bosphorus Cruise 2-3 Hour Cruises with Optional Asia Stop & Meal: $7.99
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset and Day Time Sightseeing Cruise: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLuxor $2.68Istanbul $9.85
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $16
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Pub Crawl Original Istanbul Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Taksim Pera Wine Tasting 3 Hour Guided Tour: $130
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Luxor and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Luxor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Luxor is in Africa and Istanbul is in Europe, 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 Luxor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Luxor 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 Luxor.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Luxor Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Luxor or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Luxor and Istanbul, 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 Luxor or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Luxor or Istanbul in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Luxor and Istanbul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Luxor can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Luxor is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 33°C (91°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
In July, Luxor usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLuxor 33°C (91°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Luxor as well as Istanbul. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Luxor is much warmer than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Luxor averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Luxor usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Luxor gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLuxor 25°C (77°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Istanbul in the Winter?
Both Istanbul and Luxor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Luxor is much warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Luxor in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In January, Luxor usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLuxor 14°C (57°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Luxor or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul and Luxor during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In April, Luxor is generally much warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Luxor average around 25°C (77°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Luxor usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Luxor gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLuxor 25°C (77°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Luxor
| Luxor | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 32°C (90°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 30°C (86°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.