Is Turkey Expensive?
Turkey, a land steeped in history and boasting stunning natural landscapes has long been a popular tourist destination. But is it an expensive one? The answer as with most things in life, is: it depends.
Factors Affecting Travel Costs in Turkey:
- Seasonality: Like many tourist destinations, Turkey’s costs fluctuate with the seasons. High season (June-August) sees the highest prices, while shoulder seasons (May & September) offer better deals. Low season (October-March) brings the cheapest prices but may limit certain activities due to weather.
- Travel Style: Backpackers and budget travelers can get by on $50-$100 per day, while luxury travelers might spend upwards of $200. Your desired level of comfort and activities will significantly impact your budget.
- Location: Istanbul, a major tourist hub, tends to be more expensive than smaller towns and villages. Exploring lesser-known areas can significantly reduce your daily costs.
Breaking Down the Costs:
Let’s delve into the specifics of various travel expenses in Turkey:
Accommodation:
- Hostels: Budget-friendly option, costing around $18-$25 per night for a dorm bed, even in Istanbul. Private rooms average $50-$75.
- Guesthouses: Offer a good balance of comfort and affordability. Expect to pay $75-$100 per night for a clean, well-located room.
- Hotels: Range from mid-range options starting at $75-$100 to luxury hotels exceeding $200 per night.
Transportation:
- Public Transport: Metro systems in major cities are affordable, starting at $0.50 per ride. Istanbul’s tram is a fun and inexpensive way to explore.
- Dolmus: Shared minibuses, costing $0.10-$0.60 per journey, are a great way to get around cities and towns.
- Buses: Offer excellent value for longer distances, with a bus from Istanbul to Izmir costing under $20.
- Flights: Domestic flights can be surprisingly affordable, especially compared to buses. A flight from Izmir to Istanbul can cost as low as $40.
- Car Rentals: Renting a car can be convenient but expect to pay around $20 per day. Driving in Turkey requires caution due to aggressive drivers.
Food:
- Cooking: The most budget-friendly option, especially if your accommodation has a kitchen. Local markets offer fresh ingredients at affordable prices.
- Breakfasts: Turkish breakfasts are legendary and often included in accommodation rates. Expect to pay $5-$7 for a smaller version or $11-$14 for a full spread.
- Lunch: Kebabs, pides, and salads are common lunch options, costing around $2-$6. Menemen, a Turkish scrambled egg dish, costs $3-$5.
- Dinner: Balik ekmek, a fish sandwich, is a must-try in Istanbul for $2.50. Meze platters, featuring various dips and spreads, cost around $5-$7 per person. Karides Guvec, a shrimp casserole, is around $8-$10.
- Desserts: Baklava and Turkish delights are ubiquitous and affordable, costing $3-$6 per kg.
Activities:
- Free Activities: Explore local markets, wander through charming neighborhoods, and visit free museums like the Blue Mosque.
- Entrance Fees: Expect to pay around $50 for Topkapi Palace, $27 for Hagia Sophia, $23 for Ephesus ruins, and $16 for the Goreme Open Air Museum.
- Tours: Get Your Guide offers various tours and activities, including sunrise hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia for $260 and Turkish coffee tours in Istanbul for $124.
Additional Expenses:
- Travel Guidebook: A guidebook can provide valuable insights and recommendations. Fodor’s Turkey guidebook is highly rated.
- Dry Bag: Essential for water activities and protecting belongings. Sea to Summit’s Ultra-Sil 8L dry bag is a popular choice.
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing is a recommended option, covering COVID-19 and offering worldwide coverage.
My Personal Expenses in Turkey:
During my six weeks in Turkey, I averaged $109 per day, including shared accommodation (around $54 per day). My expenses varied depending on my location and activities.
Turkey offers a diverse and exciting travel experience for various budgets. By planning your trip wisely, you can have an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank. Remember, flexibility, research, and embracing local experiences can significantly reduce your costs and enhance your Turkish adventure.
How much does it cost to travel to Turkey?
You should plan to spend around $131 (TRY4,254) per day on your vacation in Turkey. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $33 (TRY1,071) on meals
- $47 (TRY1,526) on local transportation
- $107 (TRY3,456) on hotels
A one week trip to Turkey for two people costs, on average, $1,840 (TRY59,554). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
These average travel costs were all gathered from other travelers to assist you in creating your own travel budget.
- Travel Style:
- Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $131 TRY4,254
- One Week Per person $920 TRY29,777
- 2 Weeks Per person $1,840 TRY59,554
- One Month Per person $3,943 TRY127,615
- One Week For a couple $1,840 TRY59,554
- 2 Weeks For a couple $3,680 TRY119,107
- One Month For a couple $7,887 TRY255,230
How much do package tours cost in Turkey?
Though they are typically more expensive than independent travel, organized tours provide convenience and the assurance that your vacation has been expertly planned by a travel specialist.
The average price for an organized tour package in Turkey is $231 per day. Although the total cost, duration, number of destinations, and quality of each tour vary, this is the average daily cost based on our research of the available guided tours.
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
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