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

Should you visit Istanbul or Vigo?

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

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

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.

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Vigo 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 Vigo is $147. 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 Vigo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Istanbul $83
    Vigo $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Istanbul $166
    Vigo $102
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Vigo

Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Vigo? 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 Vigo


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 Vigo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Istanbul $39
    Vigo $44

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $206
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $206

Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Vigo?

Prices for flights to both Vigo 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
    Vigo $71

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 Vigo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.

  • Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Istanbul $43
    Vigo $12

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

Tours and Activities in Vigo

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

  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
  • Vigo, Galicia: Walking Tour of Mysteries and Legends: $18
  • Walking Tour with local History & Culture: $18
  • Ticket/Photo-Theme Park and Virtual Activity in Vigo: $19
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $21
  • Thematic Tour Selfie Experience Gallery Vigo-Galicia: $22
  • Discover Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $24
  • Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $25
  • Celta Vigo Abanca Balaídos Stadium Tour: $26
  • Guided Walking Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Istanbul $12
    Vigo $6.70

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Vigo, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Vigo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vigo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vigo 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 Vigo.

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


Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Vigo?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Vigo. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Vigo, 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 Vigo?

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 Istanbul or Vigo in the Summer?

Both Vigo 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.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Vigo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Vigo averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Vigo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Vigo during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Vigo. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F) 
    Vigo 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Vigo in the Autumn?

Both Vigo 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.

In October, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Vigo. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Vigo. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 174 hours of full sun.

Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Vigo. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F) 
    Vigo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Vigo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Vigo. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Istanbul is much colder than Vigo in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Vigo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Vigo during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vigo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Vigo. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F) 
    Vigo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Istanbul or Vigo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Vigo. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Istanbul is around the same temperature as Vigo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Vigo averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Vigo. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vigo. Istanbul usually gets less rain in April than Vigo. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F) 
    Vigo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Vigo and Istanbul

Istanbul Vigo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in)