Home › City costs › Istanbul vs London

Istanbul vs London: which is cheaper?

For a mid-range week for two, Istanbul is about 48% cheaper (excluding flights).

7-day tripIstanbulLondon
Backpacker (1 person)$343$679
Mid-range (2 people)$1,680$3,220
Comfort (2 people)$4,900$8,190

Prices side by side

Typical price (USD)IstanbulLondon
Accommodation (mid-range room)$80$200
Hostel dorm bed$18$45
Food per day (mid-range)$35$70
Transport per day (mid-range)$10$20
Activities per day (mid-range)$35$40

Best time to visit

Istanbul: April to May and September to November. Summers are hot and crowded; winters are cool and rainy.

London: May to September has the best weather. Winter is quieter and hotel prices drop after the new year.

Istanbul cost guide London cost guide

Estimates for planning, checked 2026-10-11. Flights are not included because they depend on where you fly from.