Comparison of Travel Costs to Istanbul and Antalya

One of the most critical factors in choosing a travel destination is cost. Before visiting Antalya and Istanbul and reviewing Istanbul and Antalya tours, many travelers wonder which city is more affordable. First of all, you should know that one of the two cities, Istanbul or Antalya, is more expensive, and the reason for this is the facilities and features of that city. Secondly, consider that your travel purpose can affect the costs. Do you find visiting Istanbul's historical sites and exploring the city more appealing, or do you prefer to relax by the beach and enjoy the sound of the sea? All these choices have a direct impact on your expenses. Do not miss this article if you want to learn more about the travel costs to Antalya and Istanbul and examine the expenses of traveling to these beautiful cities from different perspecti

Accommodation Costs in Istanbul and Antalya

According to our research, accommodation costs in Antalya and Istanbul are almost within the same price range. However, staying in Antalya is slightly more expensive than in Istanbul. For example, the minimum cost of staying in a 3-star hotel in Antalya is around 1 million Tomans per night, while in Istanbul, you can easily find a 3-star hotel for 1.5 million Tomans. Of course, more affordable accommodations are also available in both cities.

You can travel to these cities during low-season periods, such as winter and autumn, to have a budget-friendly stay in Antalya and Istanbul. Summer is the peak travel season for these cities, and hotel reservation prices increase significantly. Also, in the article Antalya luxury Hotels, you can learn more about this city's beautiful and high priced hotels to avoid reserving them.

Comparison of Transportation Costs in Antalya and Istanbul

According to the table below, transportation costs in Istanbul are higher than those in Antalya. Based on the conducted research, taxi fares in Istanbul and Antalya are as follows:

City Name	Taxi Base Fare	Taxi Fare per Kilometer	Waiting Time Cost (per hour)
Istanbul	25 TRY	18 TRY	254 TRY
Antalya	27-35 TRY	7-9 TRY	240 TRY

 

Comparison of Food Costs in Istanbul and Antalya

As shown in the table below, some food items are cheaper in Antalya, while others are more affordable in Istanbul. However, overall, the cost of food in Antalya is lower than in Istanbul.

Food Items	Istanbul Price (TRY)	Antalya Price (TRY)	Price Difference
Simple lunch (with a drink) in a business district	450	336	25% cheaper in Antalya
Combo meal at a fast food restaurant (Big Mac or similar)	317	260	18% cheaper in Antalya
500g boneless chicken breast	123	183	49% more expensive in Antalya
1 liter whole milk	40	44	10% more expensive in Antalya
12 large eggs	111	84	24% cheaper in Antalya
1kg tomatoes	50	35	29% cheaper in Antalya
500g local cheese	234	175	25% cheaper in Antalya
1kg apples	49	33	33% cheaper in Antalya

 

Comparison of Entertainment Costs in Antalya and Istanbul

In general, entertainment costs in Antalya are lower than in Istanbul. The table below provides a brief comparison of the costs of various entertainment options in these two cities:

Entertainment Items / Services	Istanbul Price (TRY)	Antalya Price (TRY)	Price Difference
Dinner for two at a local restaurant	1,234	958	22% cheaper in Antalya
Two movie tickets	662	193	71% cheaper in Antalya
A cocktail at a downtown club	656	497	24% cheaper in Antalya
A cup of cappuccino in the expat area	190	151	20% cheaper in Antalya
iPad Wi-Fi 128GB	25,574	33,480	31% more expensive in Antalya
1-minute prepaid mobile tariff	1.44	2.51	74% more expensive in Antalya
One-month gym membership in a business district	3,109	746	76% cheaper in Antalya
A pack of Marlboro cigarettes	77	76	1% cheaper in Antalya

 

Shopping Costs in Antalya and Istanbul

The table below provides a few examples of clothing costs in Antalya and Istanbul. A simple comparison shows that clothing is generally cheaper in Antalya. The article "Cheap Clothing Stores in Istanbul" explains more about affordable shopping centers in Istanbul.

Clothing Items	Istanbul Price (TRY)	Antalya Price (TRY)	Price Difference
A pair of jeans (Levi’s or similar brand)	2,160	1,450	33% cheaper in Antalya
A summer dress in chain stores (Zara, H&M, or similar)	1,403	2,319	65% more expensive in Antalya
A pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or similar brands)	4,714	2,460	48% cheaper in Antalya
A pair of men’s leather dress shoes	4,589	1,512	67% cheaper in Antalya

 

The Cheapest Way to Travel to Istanbul and Antalya

The most affordable time to visit Antalya is during autumn and winter. At this time of year, as the number of tourists decreases, these cities become quieter, and overall prices drop in all aspects. During this season, many hotels, restaurants, and entertainment centers offer special discounts starting in autumn, significantly reducing prices.

September and October mark the end of the tourist season in Antalya and Istanbul; however, the weather in both cities remains cooler. During this period, accommodation, shopping, and entertainment costs decline, continuing into winter. Interestingly, the weather conditions in Antalya and Istanbul in spring and autumn are similar in temperature and rainfall. However, the increase in tourist numbers in spring leads to a rise in prices.

Istanbul Tour or Antalya Tour? Which One is More Economical?

One of the most important factors influencing the choice of a travel destination is the cost of the trip. Between Istanbul and Antalya, Antalya generally offers lower prices. If you want a budget-friendly trip, you can choose this city as your final destination.

However, your travel style and experiences also significantly impact your expenses. For example, if you prefer a luxury trip, it does not matter whether you go to Istanbul or Antalya—you will have to spend a considerable amount on accommodation, entertainment, shopping, and more in both cities. But suppose you are familiar with budget travel tips for Istanbul and the tricks of economical travel. In that case, you can manage your expenses in both cities and create beautiful memories with minimal spending.