vs
Istanbulis 54% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (30/10) vs London "Pricey" (37/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $29/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇷 Istanbul
🌍 London
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 9.1 rating
★★★★★
24 hostels, avg 8.7 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $54/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $115/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.95, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $5.35, dorms avg $29
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.56, 5 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $8.76, 24 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
27 attractions
★★★★★
27 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 🌍 London | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $34 cheaper | $75 | $40/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $57 cheaper | $119 | $62/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $96 cheaper | $175 | $79/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 🌍 London |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $11.41 58% less | $26.96 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $25.09 53% less | $53.91 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4.56 48% less | $8.76 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.95 26% less | $5.35 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.80 83% less | $4.72 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇷▼
Istanbul
Turkey
30
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelCheers Hostel (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels5
🌍▼
London
England
37
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $29/night). Strong hostel scene (24 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelOnefam Notting Hill (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$29/night
Total hostels24
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇷 Istanbul
🌍 London
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
e-Visa (90d)
No data
🇺🇸 US
e-Visa (90d)
No data
🇬🇧 UK
e-Visa (90d)
No data
🇦🇺 Australia
e-Visa (90d)
No data
🇨🇦 Canada
e-Visa (90d)
No data
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Istanbul & London
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇷 Istanbul
12°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 70mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
🌍 London
11°C
High
/
3°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 44mm/month
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇷 Istanbul
1. Military MuseumFree
2. Miniature ParkFree
3. Sculpture of BarbarossaFree
4. Serpent ColumnFree
5. Tomb of Hayreddin BarbarossaFree
🌍 London
1. Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount AlanbrookeFree
2. Anglo-Belgian War MemorialFree
3. Battle of Britain MemorialFree
4. Douglas HaigFree
5. MontyFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Istanbul or London cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Istanbul vs London?+
Do I need a visa for Istanbul or London?+
When is the best time to visit Istanbul or London?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Istanbul and London?+
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