Is Cappadocia expensive to visit?
In Cappadocia, budget travelers spend $61 (₺2,503) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $148 (₺6,069) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $336 (₺13,820) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Cappadocia.
Cappadocia is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Cappadocia can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Cappadocia is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Paphos or Split.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cappadocia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cappadocia?
The average Cappadocia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cappadocia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cappadocia cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Cappadocia. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $61 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Cappadocia is filled with plenty of hostels, such as Terra Bella Pansion, Kose Hostel, and Diadem Cappadocia Guest House & Hostel. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.
So, are you average?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Cappadocia will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $148 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Cappadocia. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Aydinli Cave Hotel is a good kid-friendly option, and Arif Cave Hotel is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Cappadocia here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $336 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Cappadocia Private Guided Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Cappadocia
Prices for hotels in Cappadocia vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $57, but during peak season, average prices climb to $106. With options ranging from $33 to $185, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cappadocia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $82 (₺3,408). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $41 (₺1,704) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cappadocia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cappadocia include:
- Ottoman Cave Suites starting at $74
- Anatoliacave Pension starting at $32
- Kemal's Guest House starting at $40
- Salkim Cave House starting at $65
- Panoramic Cave Hotel starting at $74
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Cappadocia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $40 (₺1,644) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cappadocia. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cappadocia is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$40
₺1,644
If you're arriving in Cappadocia, there is a regional airport, as well as plenty of bus connections from Turkey's major cities. Read up on how to get to Cappadocia from Istanbul here if you're making your way straight there.
Cappadocia is a large region and many of the attractions are spread out. If you're hoping to explore many different parts of the region then hiring a car may be your best option. Public transportation is generally limited due to the low population density of the area. A Dolums (minibus) service operates between many of the towns. From Goreme there is hourly, or every other hour connections to most of the larger towns such as Avanos or Urgup. Often the buses stop in the late afternoon so make sure you consult a schedule before beginning your trip. Tour packages also take visitors around the region and are reasonably priced. The price includes transportation, and this is probably the most efficient way to get around if you are short on time.
When driving, it's important to check that your hotel has good parking options.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private transfer from Nevşehir airport (NAV) to any hotel in Cappadocia for $74 details
- 2 way Transfer fr/to Nevsehir & Kayseri Airport / Cappadocia for $54 details
- Private Transfer to Kayseri Airport (ASR) from Cappadocia for $108 details
How much does it cost to go to Cappadocia? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cappadocia will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cappadocia
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Cappadocia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cappadocia is $67 (₺2,772) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$67
₺2,772
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cappadocia is around $67 (₺2772) per person, with previous travelers spending from $27 to $170. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cappadocia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $27
- Dinner: $20 to $47
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Restaurants in Cappadocia are generally concentrated in the towns and cities. Goreme offers visitors a good selection of reasonably priced restaurants, and many of the hotels also have meals available. Popular dishes include dried apricots and grapes, Manti, which is a ravioli made with minced meat and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce, Testi Kebap, which is meat and vegetables prepared in a clay pot, and pastirmali kuru fasulye, which is white beans with spiced meat. Kebab and pide dishes are also widely available.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Opt for a reusable water bottle to avoid buying drinks everywhere. It's beneficial for the earth as well.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Cappadocia, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cappadocia Turkish Night Show: Dinner and Entertainment for $47 details
- Dinner with traditional dance shows in cave restaurants for $79 details
- Cappadocia Cooking Class for $143 details
Below are some standard food costs in Cappadocia, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cappadocia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cappadocia typically cost an average of $75 (₺3,085) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$75
₺3,085
Plenty of amazing underground cities and structures are open to visitors in the area. If you're short on time and hope to see several things in one day, it may be best to visit the underground cities on a tour. If you're looking for a more independent experience, it's easy to catch a local bus or taxi and make your way there on your own. In the end, the price of the two options is somewhat comparable, so it is best to decide how you want to visit instead of looking at price alone.
Other sights include the old Greek houses in Sinasos, the Goreme Open Air Museum, Ihlara Canyon and Gumusler Monastery.
Hiking is the most obvious activity in Cappadocia. There are many different hiking trails through the different valleys in the area. Hiking in this area is breathtaking and completely free of charge. Make sure you grab a map before you head out so that you can pick a trail that meets your needs. Popular valleys for hiking include Guvercinlik, or Pigeon Valley and Rose Valley. Pigeon Valley is located between Goreme and Uchisar. There's a four kilometer trail that can be picked up near the Ataman Hotel on the southern side of Goreme. Rose Valley is a beautiful green valley that also has some great trails.
Other interesting activities include going to the underground cities and visiting castles. If you're looking for a splurge, a popular activity is to take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the area.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cappadocia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Cappadocia Valley Horse Riding - Half Day Tour 4 hrs / Min 2 pax. For $179 details
- Full-Day Private Guided RED Tour of Cappadocia for $300 details
- Private Tour in Cappadocia with Guide in Portuguese for $239 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Cappadocia. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
-
Underground City Entrance for Two
₺30
-
Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
₺578
-
Horseback Riding for Two
₺115
-
Cappadocia Driving Tour
₺122
-
Goreme Museum Entrance Fee
₺15
-
Whirling Dervishes Show
₺100
-
Turkish Bath
₺70
-
Hot air ballooning
₺405
Cappadocia at Night
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.