vs
Istanbulis 32% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (30/10) vs Lyon "Pricey" (25/10). Dorms avg $21/night vs $30/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇷 Istanbul
🇫🇷 Lyon
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
5 hostels, avg 9.1 rating
★★★★★
9 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $54/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $82/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $3.95, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $4.08, dorms avg $30
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $4.56, 5 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $8.25, 9 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
27 attractions
★★★★★
18 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 🇫🇷 Lyon | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $34 cheaper | $50 | $16/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $57 cheaper | $83 | $25/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $96 cheaper | $129 | $33/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇷 Istanbul | 🇫🇷 Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $11.41 35% less | $17.68 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $25.09 29% less | $35.37 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $4.56 45% less | $8.25 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3.95 3% less | $4.08 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.80 68% less | $2.48 |
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
🇫🇷▼
Lyon
France
25
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $30/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMeininger Lyon Centre Berthelot (9.4)
Annual dorm avg$30/night
Total hostels9
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇷 Istanbul
🇫🇷 Lyon
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
e-Visa (90d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Istanbul & Lyon
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇷 Istanbul
12°C
High
/
7°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 70mm/month
Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
🇫🇷 Lyon
13°C
High
/
4°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 75mm/month
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇷 Istanbul
1. Military MuseumFree
2. Miniature ParkFree
3. Sculpture of BarbarossaFree
4. Serpent ColumnFree
5. Tomb of Hayreddin BarbarossaFree
🇫🇷 Lyon
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Istanbul or Lyon cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Istanbul vs Lyon?+
Do I need a visa for Istanbul or Lyon?+
When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Lyon?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Istanbul and Lyon?+
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