A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tampere vs. Istanbul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tampere 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 Tampere and Istanbul can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Istanbul?

Tampere

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.

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 Luxury Tours to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Tampere?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tampere is €172, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is €139. 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 Tampere and Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tampere 80
    Istanbul 64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tampere 160
    Istanbul 128
Compare Hotels in Tampere and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Tampere 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.

Hotels in Tampere


Hotels in Istanbul


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: Tampere Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tampere 59
    Istanbul 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tampere

Also for Tampere, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tampere Private Transfer from Tampere city centre to Tampere airport: $118

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Metro Cards
    4.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $297
  • Istanbul Old City Private Tour With Professional Guide & Transfer: $274
  • Private Transfer from Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Gökcen Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
  • Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $186
  • Istanbul Private Tour Designed for Layover Flight, Transfer incl.: $175
  • Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Cruise Layovers. Transfers incl.: $175
  • Istanbul Layover Tour –Private Guide & Airport / Port Transfers: $170
  • Private Transfers Between Istanbul New Airport - Istanbul Far Anatolian Side: $166
  • Istanbul NEW Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Istanbul Private Airport Transfer: $157
  • Istanbul to Gallipoli Full Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $152

Is it cheaper to fly into Tampere or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Tampere 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tampere 57
    Istanbul 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tampere

For Tampere, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Tampere Food Tour Local Tastings, Meal & Rooftop City Views: $94

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour: $23
  • Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Optional 4 Course Dinner: $25
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Live Folk Dance & DJ Experience: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Show Private Table: $29
  • Mega Lüfer Dinner Cruise Bosphorus and Show with Private Table: $30
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show in Istanbul: $30
  • Istanbul Night Life : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise - Unlimited Drinks: $31
  • Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $31
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Night Show: $33
  • Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home: $33
  • Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkis Night Show in Istanbul: $34
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tampere 24
    Istanbul 34

Tours and Activities in Tampere

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tampere.

  • Tampere Private Walking Tour with a Local: $47
  • Tampere Scenic Bike Tour with Sauna and Local Flavors: $94

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • "Classic Wonders" Tour: $117
  • "Walk Through History: A Bespoke Istanbul Adventure": $149
  • 1 Istanbul Tour: Highlights, Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $280
  • 1 or 2 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $72
  • 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $130
  • 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $295
  • 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour: $240
  • 10 Tastings of Istanbul Foodie Tour: $105
  • 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise ((MORNING TOUR)): $23
  • 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise with Audio Guide: $14
  • 2 Hours Small Group Guided Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise: $33
  • 2-Hour Scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul Throughout the Day: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tampere 10
    Istanbul 9.20

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Pub Crawl: Bars, Dancefloors, & Beyond: $18
  • Pub Crawler VIP Entry Rooftop Bars&Clubs with Party Bus: $27
  • Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
  • Istanbul Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus in Sultanahmet and Taksim: $30
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
  • Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries: $209


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tampere and Istanbul, we can see that Tampere 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 Tampere would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tampere 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 Tampere Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tampere or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Tampere. When comparing the sizes of Tampere 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 Tampere 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 Tampere or Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Tampere during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tampere is generally cooler than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around 16°C (61°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tampere. In the summer, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tampere 16°C (61°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Istanbul. Also, 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.

Tampere is much colder than Istanbul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 5°C (42°F) in October, and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampere usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tampere 5°C (42°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Istanbul in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Istanbul. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Tampere can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tampere is much colder than Istanbul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tampere in January average around -7°C (19°F), and Istanbul averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tampere -7°C (19°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Tampere or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Tampere 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.

Tampere can be very cold during spring. In April, Tampere is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around 3°C (38°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Tampere usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during spring. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampere usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tampere 3°C (38°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Tampere

Tampere Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar -3°C (27°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 3°C (38°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 0°C (32°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -4°C (24°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)