Istanbul on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Istanbul, Turkey costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's TRY rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $18 dorm | $40 ($80 room) | $140 ($280 room) |
| Food & drink | $15 | $35 | $90 |
| Local transport | $4 | $10 | $30 |
| Activities & sights | $12 | $35 | $90 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Istanbul
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $147 | $720 | $2,100 |
| 5 days | $245 | $1,200 | $3,500 |
| 7 days | $343 | $1,680 | $4,900 |
| 14 days | $686 | $3,360 | $9,800 |
Book for less
Flights to Istanbul
- From Lisbon
- From Barcelona
- From Rome
- From Paris
- From London
- From Amsterdam
- From Prague
- From Budapest
- From Athens
- From anywhere else
Best time to visit
April to May and September to November. Summers are hot and crowded; winters are cool and rainy.
Money-saving tips
- Use an Istanbulkart for trams, metro and ferries; ferries across the Bosphorus are cheap sightseeing.
- Eat simit, balık ekmek and lokanta set meals for good value.
- Major museums are expensive for foreigners; choose a few that matter most to you.
Free things to do
- Visit the Blue Mosque (outside prayer times, free).
- Walk across the Galata Bridge and through Karaköy.
- Take a ferry to the Asian side and explore Kadıköy.
Compare Istanbul with
- Istanbul vs Lisbon
- Istanbul vs Barcelona
- Istanbul vs Rome
- Istanbul vs Paris
- Istanbul vs London
- Istanbul vs Amsterdam
Questions
How much does a day in Istanbul cost?
As a rough guide: about $49 per day for a backpacker, $120 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $350 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Istanbul?
For one backpacker about $245; for two people mid-range about $1,200 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul?
April to May and September to November. Summers are hot and crowded; winters are cool and rainy.
What currency is used in Istanbul?
TRY. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate