Budapest vs Istanbul

Budapest 🇭🇺
Istanbul 🇹🇷
Population 1,768,073 15,520,000
Official language(s) Hungarian Turkish
Level of English High Low
Main airport Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) Istanbul Airport (IST)
Most common months to visit March - June, September - November April - June, September and October
Currency HUF - Hungarian Forint (Ft) TRY - Turkish Lira (₺)
Credit cards Accepted almost everywhere, cash needed for small shops Accepted in most places
Remote worker visa No No
Average monthly costs $1230 $659
Rent $499 $354
Groceries $108 $44
Dining out $202 $81
Cafe $29 $18
Coworking space $120 $49
Mobile internet $9 $3
Public transportation $36 $6
Taxis $27 $6
Shared bicycles and scooters $13 $2
Sport and cultural events $24 $11
Museums and sights $7 $15
Nightlife $43 $22
Gym $37 $9
Yoga $48 $23
Massage $26 $15
SIM card options Vodafone, Telenor Turkcell, Turk Telekom
Tipping 10 - 15% at restaurants and bars Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafés and bars
Taxi apps Bolt, Fotaxi BiTaksi
Tap water Drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine Magyar cuisine makes extensive use of creams, cheeses and sauces primarily in beef, chicken and pork dishes, mixed with seasonal vegetables, fruits and rich desserts. A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish
Local food specialities Goulash, Fisherman's soup, Főzelék, Somloi Galuska, Pörkölt and Paprikás, Kürtös Kalács, Hungarian Lecsó, Lángos Döner, İçli Köfte, Dondurma, Karnıyarık, Turkish delight
Eat like a local Local markets, cafés, taverns, street food, traditional restaurants Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee
Vegetarian / vegan options 47 options on HappyCow 59 listings on Happy Cow