Travelers from all over the world are enthralled by the dynamic and culturally diverse cities of London and Istanbul.
Both cities have their own distinctive appeal and attractiveness, despite the fact that they are very different in terms of geography, history, and culture.
Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between London and Istanbul.
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Size: Which City Is Bigger?
London and Istanbul are both vibrant and populous cities, but when it comes to size, Istanbul is larger than London in terms of land area.
Istanbul covers an area of approximately 5,343 square kilometers (2,063 square miles), making it one of the largest cities in the world by land area.
In contrast, London has a land area of about 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles).
Moreover, the population of Istanbul is higher than that of London. It has a population of roughly 14 million people, whereas London has a population of more than 8 million people.
Hence, Istanbul is larger than London in terms of both land size and population.
Cost Of Living: Which City Is More Affordable?
When we talk about the cost of living, it is important to take into account a variety of factors, such as housing, transportation, food, healthcare, and entertainment.
Both cities have their own distinctive features and different pricing ranges. The cost of living in London and Istanbul is contrasted in the following manner:
- Housing:
London is renowned for having expensive housing. Compared to Istanbul, London has far higher rent prices. It also has a high housing demand, which drives up rent and property values.
Istanbul, on the other hand, offers a more cost-effective housing market with lower rental rates and average property costs.
- Transportation:
Buses, underground trains (Tube), and taxis are all part of London’s huge and effective public transit network.
However, if you frequently utilize public transit in London, transportation charges could be quite costly.
Additionally, Istanbul features a sophisticated transportation system that includes buses, trams, the metro, and ferries.
While transportation costs in Istanbul are often less than in London, depending on how often you commute, they may still add up.
- Food:
Between London and Istanbul, there are differences in the price of goods and eating out. Food costs are often higher in London, whether you buy it at the grocery store or eat out.
On the other side, Istanbul has more reasonably priced options for both grocery and eating out. Local markets in Istanbul frequently offer fresh produce at fair prices, which can help cut down on food costs.
- Healthcare:
Both London and Istanbul usually have high-quality healthcare systems.
However, private healthcare alternatives in Istanbul are more reasonably priced than those in London, where costs can be rather high.
It’s crucial to remember that both cities offer public healthcare, but there may be differences in waiting periods and service availability.
- Entertainment and Recreation:
London is renowned for its thriving entertainment offerings and diverse cultural environment.
While certain attractions may have an entrance fee, there are a ton of other enjoyable activities that are either free or inexpensive.
Istanbul has significant historical and cultural experiences as well.
In comparison to London, the city has many historical buildings, museums, and vibrant marketplaces that can be visited for relatively less money.
Weather: Which City Has A Better Climate?
Both London and Istanbul have distinct climates, and determining which city has a better climate depends on personal preferences and specific factors. Here’s a comparison of the climates in both cities:
- London:
London has a temperate maritime climate influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The city experiences mild summers and cool winters.
The average temperature in summer ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit), while winter temperatures vary between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit).
London is known for its frequent rainfall throughout the year, although it is not excessively heavy.
- Istanbul:
Istanbul has a Mediterranean transitional climate with some oceanic effects. Its weather patterns are impacted by its location where the Mediterranean and Black Seas converge.
Istanbul’s summers are typically hot and muggy, with typical highs of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
Compared to continental climes, winters are milder, with typical temperatures between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius (41 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
Istanbul has seasonal moderate rainfall, with winter months seeing the most precipitation.
Transportation: Which City Is More Accessible?
London and Istanbul are both large cities with sophisticated transportation infrastructure, but the degree of accessibility can vary depending on a number of circumstances.
Let’s compare the two cities’ accessibility to transportation:
London:
- Public Transportation:
Buses, trams, overground trains, as well as the renowned London Underground system (commonly known as the Tube), are all part of London’s huge and effective public transit system.
The system is extensive and well-connected, making it reasonably simple to move around the city.
- Accessibility for People with Disabilities:
The accessibility of London has been improved for those with disabilities. The majority of Tube stations have ramps and elevators, and wheelchair users can board buses.
However, not all stations are completely accessible, and there can be restrictions in some places due to the antiquity of some infrastructure.
Istanbul:
- Public Transportation:
In addition, Istanbul has an extensive public transit network that includes buses, trams, metro lines, and ferries. Istanbul, however, is a large city with heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
Despite the abundance of transit choices, accessibility may occasionally be hampered by excessive traffic.
- Accessibility for People with Disabilities:
Although Istanbul has been attempting to improve accessibility for those with impairments, there may still be difficulties.
Not all historical stations or modes of public transit are fully prepared for accessibility, despite the fact that some contemporary metro stations and buses are.
Jobs: Which City Has Better Job Opportunities?
Major cities with diversified economies and job marketplaces include both London and Istanbul.
Depending on their individual capabilities, each city provides distinct opportunities. Let’s investigate the employment possibilities in each city:
- London:
London is a global financial hub and a center for various industries such as finance, technology, creative arts, healthcare, and professional services.
It hosts the headquarters of numerous multinational companies and has a thriving startup scene. The city attracts a significant number of skilled professionals from around the world.
However, the cost of living in London is relatively high, and competition for certain positions can be fierce.
- Istanbul:
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia. It has a diverse economy with sectors like finance, tourism, construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
It offers opportunities for both established corporations and growing startups. The city is known for its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and lower cost of living compared to London.
But it’s worth noting that political and economic conditions in Turkey can impact job stability.