Istanbul vs Larnaca

Istanbul ๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท
Larnaca ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡พ
Population 15,520,000 144,900
Official language(s) Turkish Greek
Level of English Low High
Main airport Istanbul Airport (IST) Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Most common months to visit April - June, September and October March - May, October - December
Currency TRY - Turkish Lira (โ‚บ) EUR - Euro (โ‚ฌ)
Credit cards Accepted in most places Accepted everywhere
Remote worker visa No No
Average monthly costs $659 $1959
Rent $354 $678
Groceries $44 $157
Dining out $81 $261
Cafe $18 $56
Coworking space $49 $209
Mobile internet $3 $35
Public transportation $6 $63
Taxis $6 $42
Shared bicycles and scooters $2 $45
Sport and cultural events $11 $28
Museums and sights $15 $8
Nightlife $22 $110
Gym $9 $107
Yoga $23 $105
Massage $15 $54
SIM card options Turkcell, Turk Telekom Primetel, Cytamobile-Vodafone and Epic/MTN
Tipping Tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafรฉs and bars 10% usually added and expected at restaurants, round up at bars
Taxi apps BiTaksi nTaxi
Tap water Not drinkable Not drinkable
Overall cuisine A fusion of cultures creates diverse dishes with bulgur, koftes, stews, eggplants and fish Mediterranean style with emphasis on seafood, meats, olives, cheesed and traditional sauces. Some food with Middle Eastern influences as well..
Local food specialities Dรถner, ฤฐรงli Kรถfte, Dondurma, Karnฤฑyarฤฑk, Turkish delight Souvlaki, sheftalia, kleftiko, stifado, halloumi, koukepia and moussaka
Eat like a local Traditional breakfasts, street stalls for simit, lahmacun and kokorec, Turkish coffee Opt for smaller, outside eateries and taverns serving traditional foods. Fast food kebab shops and falafel bars offer authentic options, too.
Vegetarian / vegan options 59 listings on Happy Cow 14 options on HappyCow, but non-meat Mediterranean/Middle Eastern options are always available