Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Timisoara / Temesvar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar 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: Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul?
Timisoara / Temesvar
A very cosmopolitan city, Timisoara has become the main social, economic, and cultural center in western Romania. It is sometimes called little Vienna due to its impressive architecture from the Austria Empire era and abundance of museums.
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 Adventure Tours to Romania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Romania, 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 dayTimisoara / Temesvar $60Istanbul $126
The average daily cost (per person) in Timisoara / Temesvar is $60, 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 Timisoara / Temesvar and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTimisoara / Temesvar $24Istanbul $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTimisoara / Temesvar $48Istanbul $94
Compare Hotels in Timisoara / Temesvar and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Timisoara / Temesvar 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: Timisoara / Temesvar Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Timisoara / Temesvar $25Istanbul $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Timisoara / Temesvar
Also for Timisoara / Temesvar, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Timisoara Airport transfer to the city: $22
- Private Transfer from Timisoara Aurel Vlaicu Airport to Timisoara: $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 Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Timisoara / Temesvar 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 dayTimisoara / Temesvar $21Istanbul $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Timisoara / Temesvar
For Timisoara / Temesvar, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste Romania - Timisoara's Food Tour : $131
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.Timisoara / Temesvar $8.87Istanbul $79
Tours and Activities in Timisoara / Temesvar
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Timisoara / Temesvar.
- Ecumenical Tour of Timisoara: $11
- Timisoara: Shared Guided Tour in English: $22
- Timisoara Downtown Dream Tour: $22
- City Tour Timisoara: $38
- Timişoara: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $43
- The Classic Tour of Timisoara: $43
- Private ATV Adventures in Petrovaselo: $44
- Timisoara City Tour - A Day To Remember: $65
- Timisoara Grand Tour : $82
- The Jewish Heritage Tour of Timisoara: $104
- Discover Timișoara like a Local on the Best Guided Intro Tour: $108
- The Grand Tour of Communist Ages at Timisoara: $120
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 dayTimisoara / Temesvar $8.25Istanbul $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 Timisoara / Temesvar and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Timisoara / Temesvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Timisoara / Temesvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Timisoara / Temesvar 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 Timisoara / Temesvar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Timisoara / Temesvar Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Timisoara / Temesvar. When comparing the sizes of Timisoara / Temesvar 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 Timisoara / Temesvar 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 Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul in the Summer?
Both Istanbul and Timisoara / Temesvar during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Timisoara / Temesvar is around the same temperature as Istanbul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Timisoara / Temesvar in July average around 22°C (71°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 Timisoara / Temesvar. In the summer, Timisoara / Temesvar often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 301 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.
Timisoara / Temesvar usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JulyTimisoara / Temesvar 22°C (71°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Timisoara / Temesvar and Istanbul. Furthermore, 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.
In October, Timisoara / Temesvar is generally cooler than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Timisoara / Temesvar average around 13°C (55°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during autumn. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Timisoara / Temesvar 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 OctoberTimisoara / Temesvar 13°C (55°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Timisoara / Temesvar as well as Istanbul. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Timisoara / Temesvar can be very cold during winter. Timisoara / Temesvar is much colder than Istanbul in the winter. The daily temperature in Timisoara / Temesvar averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
In the winter, Timisoara / Temesvar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.
Timisoara / Temesvar usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryTimisoara / Temesvar -1°C (31°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Timisoara / Temesvar or Istanbul in the Spring?
Both Istanbul and Timisoara / Temesvar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In the spring, Timisoara / Temesvar is around the same temperature as Istanbul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Timisoara / Temesvar in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Istanbul averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during spring. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Timisoara / Temesvar usually receives around the same amount of rain as Istanbul. Timisoara / Temesvar gets 48 mm (1.9 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 AprilTimisoara / Temesvar 12°C (54°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Timisoara / Temesvar
| Timisoara / Temesvar | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (36°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (68°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (71°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (71°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 2°C (35°F) | 50 mm (2 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.