Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Istanbul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Istanbul?
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
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 Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Turkey, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Turkey, and The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPamukkale $156Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Istanbul $94
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Istanbul $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
- Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $90
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $103
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $103
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
- Antalya: Private Airport Transfer to/from Pamukkale/Denizli: $154
- Pamukkale to Antalya Centre Hotels Transfer: $163
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: $745
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $319
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $286
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $224
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $223
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-13pax): $218
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $211
Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Pamukkale 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 dayPamukkale $69Istanbul $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.
- 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 Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $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
- Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Istanbul $79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $30
- From Antalya; Daily Pamukkale Tour with hot air Balloon: $37
- Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
- Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
- Tandem Paragliding Experience: $48
- From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
- Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
- From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $62
- Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $68
- Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $70
- Pamukkale Guided one day Tour , from Denizli airport or Pamukkale hotels: $75
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
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:
- 2 Hours Ultimate Kebab Experience in Galata, Istanbul: $128
- 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
- Istanbul City Tour Full Day (ASIA AND EUROPE) and Bosphorus Tour: $120
- Istanbul Customized Daily Tour: $200
- 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 Private Istanbul Layover Tour : $220
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Istanbul $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $45
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $840
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Istanbul, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Istanbul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Istanbul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Istanbul 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale than you might in Istanbul.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 1120 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Istanbul in the Summer?
Both Istanbul and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Istanbul averages at about 24°C (74°F).
In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Istanbul. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Istanbul. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Istanbul in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Istanbul. Additionally, most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Pamukkale is a little warmer than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Istanbul. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 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 JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Pamukkale is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Istanbul. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (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 AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.