Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Minsk?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Minsk or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Minsk or Istanbul, 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: Minsk or Istanbul?
Minsk
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.
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 Budget Tours to Turkey, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMinsk $64Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Minsk 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 Minsk and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMinsk $32Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMinsk $64Istanbul $94
Compare Hotels in Minsk and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Minsk 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.Minsk $12Istanbul $55
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:
- Princes' Islands Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $13
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Cruise Port: $19
- Istanbul City to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)-Departure Private Transfer: $20
- Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
- Private One-Way New Istanbul Airport Transfer To/From Istanbul: $21
- Istanbul to Istanbul Airport (SAW) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Istanbul Airport (SAW) to Istanbul - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Istanbul Airport Private Transfers: $22
- Princes' Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer: $22
- Istanbul Airport VIP/ULTRA VIP Transfer, Free WIFI: $25
- Private Transfer from Istanbul Hotels to Istanbul Cruise Port: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Minsk or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Minsk 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 dayMinsk $21Istanbul $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
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show 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.Minsk $20Istanbul $79
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:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
- Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.33
- City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.33
- Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.33
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
- Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.08
- Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.81
- Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
- App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $9.59
- The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11
- Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to the Princes' Islands: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMinsk $14Istanbul $15
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
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $83
- 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: $841
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Minsk and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Minsk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Minsk Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Minsk or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Minsk. When comparing the sizes of Minsk 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 Minsk or Istanbul?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Minsk or Istanbul in the Summer?
Both Istanbul and Minsk are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In July, Minsk is generally cooler than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 19°C (66°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Istanbul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minsk. Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Minsk gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Minsk usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Minsk gets 88 mm (3.5 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 JulyMinsk 19°C (66°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Istanbul in the Autumn?
Both Istanbul and Minsk during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Minsk is much colder than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Minsk averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Minsk often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Minsk gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Minsk gets 49 mm (1.9 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 OctoberMinsk 8°C (47°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Istanbul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Minsk and Istanbul. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Minsk. In the winter, Minsk is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Minsk in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).
Minsk usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Minsk gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Minsk usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Minsk gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryMinsk -5°C (22°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Minsk or Istanbul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Minsk as well as Istanbul. Additionally, most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Minsk is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Minsk average around 8°C (46°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Minsk often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul. Minsk gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.
Minsk usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Minsk gets 42 mm (1.7 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 AprilMinsk 8°C (46°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Minsk
| Minsk | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -5°C (22°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | -4°C (25°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 0°C (33°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 15°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (65°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 8°C (47°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | -2°C (28°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.