Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Brasov?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Brasov or Istanbul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Brasov or Istanbul, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Brasov or Istanbul?
Brasov
Brasov is a mountain resort city in the region of Transylvania in Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and best known for its medieval architecture and history.
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 Luxury Tours to Romania, The Best Budget Tours to Romania, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.
-
Brasov Prices
Romania PricesIstanbul Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBrasov $85Istanbul $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Brasov is $85, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $179. 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 Brasov and Istanbul in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBrasov $24Istanbul $83
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBrasov $48Istanbul $166
Compare Hotels in Brasov and Istanbul
Looking for a hotel in Brasov 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: Brasov Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Brasov $20Istanbul $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brasov
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brasov:
- Bran Castle of Dracula Yourself : Private Round-Trip Transfer from Brasov City: $95
- Airport Transfer: Brasov to Bucharest Airport OTP by Business Car: $165
- Brasov to Bucharest Otopeni Airport private transfer: $190
- Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest, 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $190
- Airport Transfer Bucharest -Brasov or Brasov - Bucharest: $239
- Private Transfer: Bran Castle of Dracula to Bucharest: $262
- Brasov to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $286
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $19
- Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $23
- Princes' Islands Cruise with Lunch and Transfer Full-Day Tour: $25
- Narita Airport to Tokyo one way Transfer : $28
- Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $29
- Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $29
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $29
- Private Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Transfer hotel-airport: $30
- Istanbul Airport (IST) Private Arrival and Departure Transfer: $30
- Galataport Private Transfer to Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia: $30
- Guided Byzantine & Bosphorus Tour with Transfer In Istanbul: $30
- Private Istanbul Airport Transfer to Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmet: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Brasov or Istanbul?
Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Brasov 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBrasov $48Istanbul $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brasov
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brasov.
- Brasov Bites and Sights Food Tour Authentic Romanian Flavors: $89
- Enjoy Traditional Romanian Cooking in Brasov: $103
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show: $24
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $30
- Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Shows and Party : $30
- Budget Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Party: $30
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Dance Shows with Private Table: $31
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Dinner, Drinks & Show with Pickup: $32
- Dinner Cruise On The Bosphorus with Turkish night show: $34
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Entertaintment & Private Table & Wi-Fi: $36
- Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Live Shows & Private Table: $36
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Drinks and Shows: $41
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folk Dance and Live Performances: $42
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Brasov $10Istanbul $43
Tours and Activities in Brasov
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Brasov are as follows:
- Brasov Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $30
- PRIVATE Brasov Old Town Walking Tour & PDF guide: $36
- Outdoors experience - Paintball in Transylvania : $39
- Bran Castle Skip the Line Ticket with Audio Guide: $49
- Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit: $55
- One day tour Dracula Castle. Libearty Bear Sanctuary. from Brasov: $58
- Brown bear watching experience at the Bear Sanctuary: $58
- Brasov City Guided Walking Tour for Small Group: $60
- Bran Castle and more options tour from Brasov: $65
- Small-Group Brasov-CROWN City Evening Tour with wine: $65
- Husky Sleigh Rides experience: $66
- Brown Bear Sanctuary Tour from Brasov Entrance Ticket Guaranteed : $70
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Istanbul Culture History and UNESCO Treasures Kickstart Tour: $3.59
- Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.61
- Istanbul Self Guided Walking Tour : $5.00
- Alternative Tour; Daily Life, Customs, Stories - Tip Based Tour: $5.00
- Istanbul Sites: Peel back the layers of Turkish history a self-guided audio tour: $5.40
- Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit: $7.21
- Bosphorus Boat Tour 3 Hour with Asian Side Stop in Istanbul: $7.21
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.55
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Istanbul Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise with Audio Guide: $9.02
- Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar Walk Tour: $9.61
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBrasov $8.46Istanbul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Brasov
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brasov:
- Bran (Dracula) Castle, Bear Sanctuary, Rasnov Fortress & Palinca Distillery: $113
- Azuga wine tasting on a day trip from Brasov: $145
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $28
- Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $30
- Pub Crawl Istanbul / Rooftop Clubs & Party Bus: $30
- Istanbul Pub Crawl: Adults-Only Nightlife Adventure: $31
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $78
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $210
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brasov and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Brasov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brasov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brasov 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 Brasov.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brasov Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Brasov or Istanbul?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Brasov. When comparing the sizes of Brasov 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 Brasov or Istanbul?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Brasov or Istanbul in the Summer?
Both Istanbul and Brasov are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Brasov is around the same temperature as Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Brasov averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Istanbul. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brasov. Brasov usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Brasov gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Brasov usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Brasov gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBrasov 23°C (73°F)Istanbul 24°C (74°F)
Should I visit Brasov or Istanbul in the Autumn?
Both Istanbul and Brasov during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Brasov is cooler than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brasov in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In the autumn, Brasov often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Brasov gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.
Brasov usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Brasov gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBrasov 13°C (55°F)Istanbul 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Brasov or Istanbul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brasov and Istanbul. Also, many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Brasov. In January, Brasov is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Brasov average around -1°C (30°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).
Brasov usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Brasov gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Brasov usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Brasov gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBrasov -1°C (30°F)Istanbul 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Brasov or Istanbul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Brasov as well as Istanbul. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Brasov is around the same temperature as Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Brasov averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Brasov often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul. Brasov gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.
Brasov usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Brasov gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBrasov 12°C (54°F)Istanbul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Istanbul and Brasov
| Brasov | Istanbul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (30°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (35°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.