How To Travel In Turkey On A Budget: Real Costs, Tips & Hacks

Turkey is still an affordable destination, but it is no longer the ultra-cheap bargain it once was. I’ve lived in Türkiye for over 12 years and have seen prices rise sharply due to inflation, currency shifts, and growing tourism demand.

That said, travelers who understand how things work locally can still travel Turkey on a budget. Accommodation, food, transport, and day-to-day expenses remain good value compared to much of Europe—especially outside peak summer months and tourist-heavy areas.

This guide focuses on realistic current costs and practical budget strategies based on living in Turkey, not outdated price lists. Whether you’re traveling frugally or want better value for your money, the goal is the same: spend less without sacrificing the experience.

A budget trip to Turkey typically means staying in hostels or simple apartments, eating mostly local food, using public transport, and being selective about paid attractions. Costs vary widely by city and season, but travelers who plan smartly can still keep daily spending low.

Average Prices In Turkey

Prices in Turkey have increased significantly over the last couple of years, so it’s helpful to have a general guide on how much things are likely to cost. Remember that prices can fluctuate at any time, but below you’ll find a table of average prices for the most common items you’ll need to add to your daily budget.

Average Budget Travel Costs In Turkey (Current Typical Ranges)

Cost Of Item In Türkiye	Typical Cost (TRY)	Approx USD
Bottled water (0.5L)	15 – 25	0.45 – 0.75
Soft drink (cola, soda)	50 – 70	1.50 – 2.10
Local beer (Efes, 0.5L)	220 – 350	6.50 – 10.00
Imported beer	260 – 450	7.50 – 13.00
Spirits (vodka, gin – single drink)	250 – 400	7.50 – 12.00
Burger meal (McDonald’s / Burger King)	250 – 330	7.50 – 10.00
Pizza (restaurant)	300 – 450	9.00 – 13.50
Döner kebab (street food)	120 – 200	3.50 – 6.00
Meal for two at a tourist restaurant (no alcohol)	1,500 – 2,200	45 – 65
Lahmacun (bakery or casual restaurant)	100 – 150	3.00 – 4.50
Pide	160 – 250	5.00 – 7.50
Kebab meal at a local restaurant (Adana kebab for two)	700 – 950	20 – 28
Kebab meal at a tourist restaurant (testi kebab for two)	1,900 – 2,600	55 – 75
Ice cream (single scoop)	35 – 90	1.00 – 2.75
One-way local bus or dolmuş ride	20 – 60	0.60 – 1.75

How To Travel In Turkey On A Budget: Practical Money-Saving Tips

1. Best Accommodation Choices For Saving Money In Turkey

It’s a good idea to avoid all-inclusive resorts on the south coast and opt for a self-catering apartment instead.

Yes, you save money on food and drink when staying at a resort, but trust me, all-inclusive food in Türkiye is never delightful, and you’ll end up going out for a meal in a top restaurant nearby anyway.

Suppose you opt for a self-catering apartment, on the other hand. In that case, you can buy some essentials cheaply at the local supermarket (there are always plenty around) for daytime meals while going out and trying some authentic Turkish cuisine in the evening.

Catering for yourself is almost always cheaper than the cost of an expensive all-inclusive getaway, no matter how many things and services are “free” or “complementary.

2. Are Hostels In Turkey Worth It?

If you’re staying in a city, try a hostel instead of a hotel. You’ll find countless high-quality hostels in Istanbul, many of which are in the Taksim, Fatih, or Sultanahmet areas. Many also offer private rooms.

Hostels are a great way to socialize with other like-minded travelers. You can enjoy the hostel bar and go out for delicious local food while saving cash on an expensive hotel.

3. Cook If You Can 

Don’t be afraid of cooking if you’re staying in an apartment or have a shared kitchen in your hostel. You can cook a seriously impressive meal for a much lower price than in a restaurant. All you need to do is head to the local bazaar and pick up plenty of delicious vegetables, meat, and fish. 

4. Fill Up At Breakfast

We know that Turkish breakfasts are pretty large, and most traditional breakfast places serve breakfast until late into the afternoon. In that case, indulge in a late breakfast and fill up. You won’t be hungry until much later; it’s incredibly healthy, and you’ll save on lunch! 

5. Where To Eat Cheaply In Turkey Like A Local

If you want to eat out, the same advice applies to Turkey as to most other tourist destinations: eat where the locals eat, and you’ll save money and enjoy more authentic, delicious food.

All tourist hotspots in Türkiye have a tourist area. In Istanbul, that’s Taksim, Sultanahmet, and parts of Galata.

In every tourist resort, it’s the beachfront, while in Izmir, it’s the waterfront. These areas have plenty of bars and restaurants, but prices are higher, and the food, while good, cannot compare with authentic Turkish fare.

Be a real traveler and try something different! Venture away from the tourist streets and head to an ockabasi. This is a traditional BBQ restaurant where you’ll fill your belly with meat, meze, bread, and all manner of other delicious treats for a quarter of the price of a tourist-focused restaurant.

Of course, you can always head back to the tourist areas for a drink afterward because you’ll have saved plenty of cash on your meal.

If you’re in Istanbul, try some of the street food—super-cheap and delicious! This way, you’ll keep cash in your pocket without going hungry.

As a side note, avoid Sultanahmet in Istanbul if you’re looking to eat out. Sure, it’s great for history during the day, and it’s a must-visit because of that, but the “authentic” restaurants around here are vastly overpriced. Moreover, the food isn’t as good as the fare you enjoy at a traditional restaurant in a non-touristic area.

6. Use Your Debit Card

If you have a Visa debit card, it’s a good idea to use it in large bars and restaurants to pay your bill. Not only will you benefit because of the exchange rate against major currencies, but you also don’t need to have large amounts of Lira on you. 

7. Always Change Your Money When You Arrive

Never change your money before you arrive in Turkey, as you’ll always get a lower rate. Also, avoid changing your money at the airport because their prices are usually lower than the exchange offices at your resort or the city you’re staying in.

If you want to keep a little local cash with you for when you arrive to tide you over for a day, keep it minimal. Remember that tourist resorts and cities have numerous ATMs where you can withdraw Lira with your international card.

You’ll also find many exchange offices around. You need to find the one offering the best rate and change your cash there. Do check; they don’t charge commission first, though!

8. Get An Istanbul Museum Pass

Suppose you want to visit several locations around Istanbul. In that case, you can purchase a museum card, which gives you access to selected museums and archaeological sites for a fixed period.

You’ll find different prices for different packages when visiting large attractions, not only in Istanbul. E.g., You’ll be told you pay x price for the basic access, and you pay extra to get into another part. The question is whether you need to pay the extra; from experience, you can see everything you want with the basic price. 

9. Get Your Haggle On

Don’t be shy! When you’re browsing for souvenirs at the markets and the bazaar, you’re expected to haggle. If you do this well, you’ll save a lot of cash, which you can then spend on experiences and create even more memories.

On a side note: don’t attempt to haggle in shops, or anywhere with marked prices on goods.

However, prices are usually fair game on markets and in large open and closed bazaars. It’s great fun to try and see how cheap you can get your items. It’s almost like a game of cat and mouse; once you get over the cringe factor, it’s quite an entertaining activity!

10. Avoid Buying Excursions From Your Rep

Most hotels in the beach resorts have an in-house rep who’ll try to sell you their excursions. Avoid doing this and head out onto the street to buy from one of the local operators instead.

These trips are almost always the same and far cheaper. By doing this, you’re also supporting the local economy and making your travels a bit more sustainable.

Of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s even better to head out and see the local sights on your own, without a tour guide.

However, this is not always possible for some trips, such as boat trips or jeep safaris. They might sound touristy, but they’re great fun, so don’t miss out.

11. Avoid The Buy-One-Get-One-Frees

This isn’t really an issue in Istanbul or other cities. Still, if you’re visiting tourist resorts like Bodrum, Alanya, Side, Kemer, Marmaris, Içmeler, Gumbet, etc., you will see the inevitable BOGOF offers everywhere. They might seem like a great idea, but they’re false advertising, especially on alcoholic drinks.

BOGOF cocktails are no stronger than just one drink, and most of the time, they’re so watered down that you might as well have bought a regular spirit for a lower price.

It’s far better to stick to locally produced drinks, such as Efes beer, which are far cheaper and very enjoyable to drink, too.

12. Best Months To Visit Turkey For Lower Prices

Everything in Turkey is more expensive in July and August. This is the peak tourist high season, and flight prices, accommodation rates, and everything else shoots through the roof.

Instead, June and September are great months to visit, offering lower prices and smaller crowds. October is also an excellent time for anyone who doesn’t mind the slight possibility of rain, with very cheap deals to be found.

One of the best tips we can offer you to save money in Türkiye is to plan a trip for June, September, or October.

If you’re visiting Istanbul, late December around Christmas and New Year is particularly busy. The New Year period is packed, and you’ll struggle to find a hotel that isn’t extremely expensive. However, January is a cheaper month and offers a more authentic way of life in this beautiful city.

13. When Domestic Flights In Turkey Make Sense

If you’re flying to Turkey and you have a specific place you want to go to, e.g., Cappadocia, the ancient city of Ephesus, etc., it’s a good idea to fly into Istanbul first. You’ll find cheaper flights to this huge city, and then you can take a domestic flight to your desired location. These are pretty cheap, even with rising costs, and they save many hours on the bus. 

Domestic flight prices vary according to the time of the week and day, so set your search parameters to ‘whole month’ to find the best prices. 

14. Choose Accommodation Away From Tourist Spots

It might sound counterproductive because you want to see those areas, but choosing to stay right in the heart of a busy tourist area is going to cost you more, especially in Istanbul, or if you decide to stay on the beachfront of one of the south coast resorts.

Instead, don’t be afraid to venture a bit further back; you can always use Google Maps to help you find out how far it is to walk before booking.

15. Eat The Hotel Breakfast

If you choose a hotel that offers breakfast, you’ll save money from the get-go! A Turkish breakfast these days isn’t cheap; you’re looking at around 450 TL for two people, at least.

However, if you eat the breakfast buffet, you’re basically getting the same as you would in a restaurant, and it’s free! Most breakfast buffets include the usual eggs, omelets, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, cheese, and bread combination; that’s what you’ll get in a restaurant, too.

16. Avoid Private Transfers

I know it’s tempting to pay a little more for a private transfer to your hotel after a long flight, but you’ll save more by taking a shuttle bus. If you’re visiting the South Coast resorts, search for shuttles to share with several other people and save cash.

You can also use the Havas bus from all major airports to most resorts and neighborhoods. Havaist is the main option in Istanbul and serves both airports.

17. Use Long Distance Buses To Get Around

If you want to travel to other parts of the country, you could use domestic flights, but you’ll sometimes find a cheaper option. Long-distance buses are always cheaper and surprisingly comfortable.

Pamukkale, Metro, and Kamil Koc are the main options that cover the whole country, and while travel times might be extended (it is a big country, after all), you’ll save cash and see the passing landscapes as you go.

18. Use Free Tours: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Tours

In most cities, you’ll find free walking tours or local tours for a low price. For instance, in Istanbul, you’ll find walking food tours and history tours.

These teach you a lot, you see plenty, and you have a great experience without spending a fortune. Many tours also ask you to pay the guide what you think the tour was worth, and while you should always be fair with your tip, it won’t be as much as you’d pay for a commercial tour.

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Logistical Costs To Help You Plan

Now you know how to save money, you’ll still need a few general numbers to help you plan your break before you go.

Remember that the cost of living is rising worldwide, so the numbers you see here may not be exact. However, they are ‘rough estimations’ that should help you determine how much cash you might need for your break.

Getting To & Around Türkiye

You can find cheap flights as long as you avoid the peak summer months, and even then, if you use sites like Skyscanner and try using indirect flights or arriving and departing from different airports, you can sometimes grab a bargain.

Again, the cost of flying is rising. Still, generally speaking, you can often find return flights from a European city, such as London, Manchester, Paris, Berlin, etc, to Dalaman on the south coast for around 350 euros, including baggage.

Remember, this is approximate and depends on the airline – budget airlines like Pegasus vs. Turkish Airlines are the way to go!

If you find a cheap flight to Istanbul and want to visit another part of the country, the good news is that getting around is very easy and cheap. You can take a domestic flight from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport to most large cities around the country, or take a long-distance bus with companies such as Pamukkale, Metro, or Kamil Koc.

The only downside to using a bus is the length of time it takes to get from A to B. A journey from Istanbul to Marmaris on the south coast takes around 11 hours! However, buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, have Wi-Fi, and refreshments are offered regularly. You’ll also get to see the country for a bargain price.

Domestic flights can be as low as 30 Euros, but the earlier you book, the cheaper they tend to be. You can fly from Istanbul to Izmir in an hour. If you want to go to Cappadocia, you can fly to Kayseri or Nevşehir airports in just over an hour and then take a short transfer to the region.

Once you’re at your location, getting around is very easy. Some minibuses run through resorts and cities, getting you around cheaply. For instance, a dolmuş (minibus) from Içmeler to Marmaris typically costs several tens of Lira, depending on the season and year.

Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya all have public transport cards you can top up and use across different modes of public transport, thereby saving money. And if you choose to get a taxi, make sure you ask the price before you get in to avoid scams.

Accommodation Costs

We’ve mentioned you should try to use hostels wherever possible, but how much do regular hotels and apartments cost?

Well, it depends on where you want to go, the type of area, the star rating, and the time of year you visit. However, if you’re savvy and you spot out-of-peak times, choosing a site that isn’t totally central but isn’t too far from where you want to be can get you a bargain.

For instance, five-star resorts in Antalya can cost anything from 130 Euros per night upward, but you can also choose to stay somewhere less fancy and spend your time exploring the place instead of sitting in your room. Hostels start at around 18 – 30 Euros per night, whereas a 4-star hotel costs somewhere between 60-10 Euros per night.

Unexpected Costs To Think About

As with anywhere in the world, there are hidden extras you need to know about. These can be a little unpleasant if you’re not aware of them!

Tipping

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but very much appreciated. If you enjoyed the service, tipping 10% is a good suggestion. For taxis, round up the amount to the nearest whole if you want to tip the driver, but again, it’s not a definite thing you have to do.

Beach Fees

Most beaches are free to enter, and if there is a fee, it’s because they’re special locations, e.g., Incekum Beach in Marmaris or the Blue Lagoon in Ölü Deniz. You’ll know about this before you get to the beach, and it’s likely to be low cost anyway – for me, it’s never been more than 50 Lira per person.

However, some public beaches do charge for sun loungers or parasols. If you go to a beach owned by a hotel (if they allow non-residents), a bar, or a restaurant, you’ll usually have free access to facilities as long as you buy food and drinks throughout the day. But if it’s a standalone beach, there will probably be a charge.

For a full day, sun loungers and umbrellas typically range from 250–500 Lira, depending on the location, season, and beach operator.

ATMs

You may be charged a fee if you use an overseas bank card at a Turkish cash machine. This depends on the Turkish bank and on the rules in place for your particular bank. Some Turkish banks charge for using foreign cards, while others don’t.

You’ll be warned on the screen before you proceed with the transaction so that you can make an informed decision.

ATM fees vary by bank and year and are clearly shown on-screen before confirmation.

Your bank might also charge you a cash conversion fee if you withdraw foreign currency, so check before you travel if you intend to use your card at ATMs.

Public Transport

You might look at Türkiye’s public transport system and panic, thinking it’s too hard to use and you’ll never master it. Yet, try it once, and you’ll wonder what you were worrying about.

Taxis are always expensive, and you run the risk of getting into the cab of a driver who wants to make a little extra cash. One of their tricks is taking you longer, the “scenic route” to your destination, and charging you for the “experience.”

However, if you take the bus or the Metro, you can save a lot of money in Turkey while still doing something authentic!

Istanbul offers many public transport options. All you need to use is an Istanbul Kart, a prepaid card you top up at local markets or Metro stations. You can use this card on the ferries, Metro, buses, and trains.

Other cities have regular bus and train services that are very clear and easy to use. This includes Izmir, which has a very effective and reliable train service to other nearby cities.

In beach resorts, you’ll find yourself relying on dolmus. These are smaller local buses than regular ones, but they’re cheap and run frequently.

In Marmaris, for example, a dolmuş from the town center to İçmeler typically costs several tens of Lira depending on the season.

Compare that to a taxi fare, which can be several times higher depending on distance, traffic, and year. And you can understand why the bus, albeit busy, is a better option! The journey is picturesque, too, taking you along the mountaintop overlooking the sea.

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Budget Trip To Turkey FAQs

Saving money in Turkey comes down to understanding local pricing, habits, and travel patterns.