Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
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.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.
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Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesGran Canaria Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $179Gran Canaria $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is $176. 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 Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $83Gran Canaria $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $166Gran Canaria $146
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Gran Canaria? 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $39Gran Canaria $54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul VIP Transfer: $250
- Miniatürk Istanbul Private Guided Tour & Optional Transfers: $247
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $245
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $245
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $245
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $245
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-13pax): $239
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $231
- Guided Private Istanbul Sultanahmet Old City Tour with Transfer: $215
- Private Transfer from Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) to Istanbul Airport (IST) : $190
- Istanbul Private Guided Tour for Cruise Layovers. Transfers incl.: $179
- Istanbul Layover Tour with Private Guide. Airport Transfers Incld: $179
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Agüimes to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $37
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Ingenio: $37
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $42
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Costa Meloneras to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Bahía Feliz to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $45
- Gran Canaria Airport(LPA) to Las Palmas- Arrival Private Transfer: $48
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Arucas: $48
- Grand Island Tour by Bus with Transfers: $52
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Vecindario : $56
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria 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
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $66Gran Canaria $70
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: $27
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show and Private Table: $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
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Show and Private Table: $35
- Luxury Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Shows Private Table & Free Wi-Fi: $36
- Bosphorus Elite Dinner Cruise w/VIP Menu & Private Table Option: $42
- Luxury Dinner & Traditional Dance Bosphorus Cruise: $42
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Folklore Show & Belly Dancers: $46
- Bosphorus Tour Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show : $47
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show Non-Alcoholic: $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gran Canaria
For Gran Canaria, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Origen Dinner Show at Sala Scala: $73
- Sunset Tour with Champagne & Optional Dinner.: $81
- Gran Canaria Food Tour with Distillery Visit and Local Lunch: $105
- Sala Scala Gran Canaria Dinner Show : $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $43Gran Canaria $24
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $299
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $179
- Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
- Discover the Magic of Old City – A Walking Tour Through Time: $60
- Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $210
- Full Day Guided Tour in Istanbul (SL-9): $142
- Full day old city tour (LT1): $178
- Istanbul Customized Daily Tour: $200
- Istanbul Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Combo Ticket: $96
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $94
- Istanbul Wonders FullDay Skipping Lines Private Guided City Tour: $150
- Istanbul's Hidden Gems Private Walking City Tour: $180
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $8.22
- Las Palmas Interactive City Tour: $8.36
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $12
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $15
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $15
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $16
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $16
- Banana World Guided Tour & Tasting: $18
- Guided tour of the Banana World : $18
- UD Las Palmas Gran Canaria Stadium Guided Tour: $20
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $26
- Maspalomas: Tickets to Sioux City Park: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $12Gran Canaria $8.38
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Nightlife Pub Crawl Pub and İstanbul Club Adventure: $19
- 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 : $209
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Guided Tour at Ron Arehucas Distillery: $13
- Las Palmas: Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town: $47
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in the Old Town of Las Palmas: $48
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $58
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $65
- Private GRAN CANARIA WINE TASTING, TAPAS lunch & best sightseeing: $247
When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul and Gran Canaria, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Gran Canaria?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Gran Canaria. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Istanbul or Gran Canaria in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Gran Canaria. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
Both Gran Canaria and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Istanbul is cooler than Gran Canaria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
Both Gran Canaria and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Gran Canaria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Gran Canaria. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Gran Canaria. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
In April, Istanbul is generally much colder than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Gran Canaria during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.