Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Mamaia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mamaia or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Mamaia 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: Mamaia or Istanbul?
Mamaia
The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.
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 Tours for Seniors to Romania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMamaia $64Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $64, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $126. 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 Mamaia and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMamaia $25Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMamaia $50Istanbul $94
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Mamaia 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mamaia $27Istanbul $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mamaia
Also for Mamaia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Constanta to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $174
- Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $218
- Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $251
- Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $272
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:
- 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 Mamaia or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Mamaia 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 dayMamaia $22Istanbul $31
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.Mamaia $13Istanbul $79
Tours and Activities in Mamaia
For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21
- Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $86
- One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $175
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 dayMamaia $12Istanbul $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Mamaia
Also in Mamaia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Unveilling the Essence: Gabai Winery's Captivating Wine Tours: $44
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 Mamaia and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Mamaia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mamaia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mamaia 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 Mamaia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mamaia Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Mamaia or Istanbul?
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 Mamaia or Istanbul in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Istanbul. Additionally, many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Mamaia is generally around the same temperature as Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 22°C (72°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mamaia this time of the year. In the summer, Mamaia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.
Mamaia usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMamaia 22°C (72°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Mamaia or Istanbul in the Autumn?
Both Istanbul and Mamaia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, 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.
Mamaia is cooler than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Mamaia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during autumn. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMamaia 14°C (56°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Mamaia or Istanbul in the Winter?
Both Istanbul and Mamaia during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Mamaia can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Mamaia is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Mamaia in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.
Mamaia usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMamaia 1°C (33°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Mamaia or Istanbul in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Istanbul. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In April, Mamaia is generally cooler than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 10°C (51°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Mamaia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during spring. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMamaia 10°C (51°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Mamaia
| Mamaia | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 1°C (33°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (51°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (65°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 8°C (47°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.