A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Cordoba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Istanbul or Cordoba?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Cordoba, 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: Istanbul or Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 3-Week Tours in Argentina, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Istanbul?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $61. 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 Istanbul and Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $83
    Cordoba $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $166
    Cordoba $98
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Cordoba? 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.

Hotels in Istanbul


Hotels in Cordoba


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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $39
    Cordoba $2.86

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Private Cultural Tours, Hotel Transfers Including: $299
  • Miniatürk Istanbul Private Guided Tour & Optional Transfers: $249
  • Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $246
  • Private Transfer to Bursa Uludag Hotels from Sabiha Gokcen airport: $245
  • Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $232
  • Private Transfer from Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) : $191
  • Istanbul Layover Tour: Private & Personalized with Transfers: $190
  • Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Cruise Layovers. Transfers incl.: $180
  • Istanbul Private Tour Designed for Layover Flight, Transfer incl.: $175
  • Istanbul to Truva Troy Guided Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $172
  • Istanbul NEW Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-6pax): $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Istanbul 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 day
    Istanbul $66
    Cordoba $6.62

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.
    Istanbul $43
    Cordoba $17

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $180
  • Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
  • Bosphorus Morning or Sunset Guided Cruise Tour: $26
  • Digital Experience Museum Skip the Line Entry: $35
  • Discover the Magic of Old City – A Walking Tour Through Time: $60
  • Full day old city tour (LT1): $179
  • Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $95
  • Istanbul Self Guided Walking Tour : $5.00
  • Istanbul Wonders FullDay Skipping Lines Private Guided City Tour: $128
  • Istanbul's Hidden Gems Private Walking City Tour: $144
  • Private Guided Istanbul Walking Tour: $170
  • "Classic Wonders" Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $12
    Cordoba $6.96

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 Istanbul and Cordoba, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Cordoba is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cordoba?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cordoba. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Cordoba, 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 Istanbul or Cordoba?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Cordoba is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Istanbul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Istanbul or Cordoba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Cordoba. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is much warmer than Cordoba in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Cordobain January. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Cordobain January. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In the autumn, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Cordoba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cordoba averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Cordobain April. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Cordoba in the Winter?

Both Cordoba and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Cordobain July. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Cordobain July. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Cordobain July. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Cordoba. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Istanbul is much colder than Cordoba in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Istanbul

Istanbul Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)