Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Nizhny Novgorod?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nizhny Novgorod and Istanbul can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul?
Nizhny Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.
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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNizhny Novgorod $30Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Nizhny Novgorod is $30, 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 Nizhny Novgorod and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNizhny Novgorod $20Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNizhny Novgorod $40Istanbul $94
Compare Hotels in Nizhny Novgorod and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Nizhny Novgorod 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.Nizhny Novgorod $1.19Istanbul $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:
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Nizhny Novgorod 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 dayNizhny Novgorod $9.51Istanbul $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.Nizhny Novgorod $1.69Istanbul $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:
- 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 dayNizhny Novgorod $2.35Istanbul $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
- 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 Nizhny Novgorod and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Nizhny Novgorod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nizhny Novgorod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nizhny Novgorod Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nizhny Novgorod. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul in the Summer?
Both Istanbul and Nizhny Novgorod during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Nizhny Novgorod is generally cooler than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 20°C (68°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
Nizhny Novgorod usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 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 JulyNizhny Novgorod 20°C (68°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Istanbul. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around 5°C (41°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In October, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 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 OctoberNizhny Novgorod 5°C (41°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Istanbul. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Nizhny Novgorod in the winter. In the winter, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in January average around -10°C (13°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).
Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 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 JanuaryNizhny Novgorod -10°C (13°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around 7°C (44°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In April, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 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 AprilNizhny Novgorod 7°C (44°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Nizhny Novgorod
| Nizhny Novgorod | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -10°C (13°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | -8°C (17°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | -2°C (28°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 18°C (64°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | -2°C (29°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (19°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.