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

Should you visit Kosice or Istanbul?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kosice and Istanbul can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Kosice or Istanbul?

Kosice

Founded in the 13th century, Kosice today is the second largest city in Slovakia featuring churches, cathedrals, and fortifications which speak to its roots as a center of activity during the Middle Ages. Some of its top attractions include the city's historical center, Singing Fountain, and Cathedral of Saint Elizabeth.

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 River Cruises in Slovakia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Kosice?

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 Kosice is €168, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is €152. 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 Kosice and Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kosice 73
    Istanbul 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kosice 146
    Istanbul 140
Compare Hotels in Kosice and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Kosice 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.

Hotels in Kosice


Hotels in Istanbul


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: Kosice Hotel Prices and Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kosice 29
    Istanbul 33

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Kosice or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Kosice 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
    Kosice 73
    Istanbul 56

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kosice 24
    Istanbul 37

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kosice 23
    Istanbul 10

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 comparing the travel costs between Kosice and Istanbul, we can see that Kosice 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 Kosice Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kosice or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kosice. When comparing the sizes of Kosice 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 Kosice or Istanbul?

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 Kosice or Istanbul in the Summer?

Both Istanbul and Kosice during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Kosice is cooler than Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Kosice averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kosice. In the summer, Kosice often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Kosice gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun.

Kosice usually gets more rain in July than Istanbul. Kosice gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kosice 21°C (69°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Kosice or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kosice and Istanbul. Also, 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 the autumn, Kosice is cooler than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kosice in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Kosice usually receives less sunshine than Istanbul during autumn. Kosice gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kosice usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Kosice gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kosice 11°C (52°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Kosice or Istanbul in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kosice as well as Istanbul. Also, most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kosice can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Kosice is generally much colder than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Kosice average around -2°C (28°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Kosice often gets less sunshine than Istanbul. Kosice gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun.

Kosice usually gets less rain in January than Istanbul. Kosice gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kosice -2°C (28°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Kosice or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Kosice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kosice is cooler than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Kosice averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Kosice usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Istanbul during spring. Kosice gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kosice usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Kosice gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kosice 11°C (52°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Kosice

Kosice Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 32 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)