Which place is cheaper, Lima or Istanbul?
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 Istanbul or Lima?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Lima, 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
-
Istanbul Prices
Turkey PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $179Lima $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $179, while the average daily cost in Lima is $95. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $83Lima $52
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $166Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Lima? 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 and Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $39Lima $6.06
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Istanbul VIP Private Transfer for Airports, Cruise Ports, Hotels: $15
- Istanbul Princes Island Tour with Lunch and Transfer: $19
- Sapanca and Masukiye Day Trip with Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $22
- Narita Airport to Tokyo one way Transfer : $28
- Transfer Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL) to City Center: $29
- Transfer Istanbul City Center to Istanbul Ataturk Airport: $29
- Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $29
- Sapanca and Masukiye Full Day Tour with Lunch, Guide and Transfer: $29
- istanbul airport transfer: $30
- Guided Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Transfer: $30
- Guided Byzantine & Bosphorus Tour with Transfer In Istanbul: $30
- Reliable & Safe Istanbul Airport Taxi Transfer – VIP Service : $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$5.73
-
Taxi Ride$5.73
-
Short Taxi Ride$4.30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
- Private Taxi Transfers Lima Airport: $15
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
- Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
- Transfer from the Airport to Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 dayIstanbul $66Lima $32
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
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
-
Lunch for Two$4.59
-
Ice cream$3.73
-
Coffee$3.15
-
Donut$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $40
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $42
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $44
- Lima Street Food Tour | Markets & Local Life: $45
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $58
- #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $59
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- Best Cooking Classes and Local Market Visit in Miraflores: $60
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $43Lima $9.15
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- Old Town Of Istanbul Orientation - Tip Based Walking Tour: $3.50
- Istanbul Culture History and UNESCO Treasures Kickstart Tour: $3.57
- Highlights of Istanbul Walking Tour: $3.58
- 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
- Istanbul The Sultan’s Secret: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
- Bosphorus Explorer: 3-Hour Cruise with Asian Side Visit: $7.17
- Istanbul Bosphorus Tour With Whirling Dervish Show: $7.50
- Istanbul Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.98
- Kadikoy's history, theatres and sweet shops: a self-guided audio tour: $8.99
- Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- 2 Hours Bosphorus Cruise Boat Tour in Istanbul: $9.56
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
-
Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
-
Movie Tickets$2.44
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Bike Tour Lima: $19
- Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $20
- Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- Guided Bike Tour of Lima : $24
- Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
- Barranco Street Art Tour | Unmasked: $25
- Arequipa Sillar Stone Quarries and Culebrillas Canyon Tour: $25
- Miraflores & Barranco Bike Tour with Local Guide: $25
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $12Lima $5.95
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$7.71
-
Beer$4.30
-
Cocktail$3.44
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
- Discover Miraflores nightlife with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
- Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Lima, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Lima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Lima 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 Lima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lima 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 Lima.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Lima?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Lima, 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 Lima?
Istanbul has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Istanbul is a little warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Lima during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Lima. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Autumn?
Both Lima and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
In the autumn, Istanbul is cooler than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Lima. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Lima. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Lima during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Lima. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Lima in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Lima. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Istanbul is much colder than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In the spring, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lima. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.