Istanbul
5,461 km²
Moscow
2,511 km²
Turkey
Russia
Area Comparison
Istanbul is 2.2x larger than Moscow
Population Comparison
Istanbul has 1.2x more people than Moscow
In terms of area, Istanbul is 2.2x the size of Moscow. Istanbul spans 5,461 km² (2,109 mi²) while Moscow covers 2,511 km² (970 mi²) — a difference of 2,950 km². You could fit Moscow inside Istanbul approximately 2 times.
To put Istanbul's size in perspective, its area of 5,461 km² is about 1.2x smaller than Shanghai. Meanwhile, Moscow at 2,511 km² is roughly the same size as Luxembourg.
Istanbul's footprint is roughly about 765,000 American football fields, 92 times the area of Manhattan, or 52 times the area of Paris — pick whichever unit feels intuitive. Moscow, by comparison, equals about 352,000 American football fields, 42 times the area of Manhattan, or 24 times the area of Paris.
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, constituting the country's economic, cultural, and historical center. With a population of over 15 million, it is home to 18% of the population of Turkey. Istanbul is among the largest cities in Europe and in the world by population. It is a city on two continents; about two-thirds of its population live in Europe and the rest in Asia.
Known as "City on Two Continents", Istanbul covers 5,461 km² with a population of 15.5 million. The city was founded around 660 BC. Istanbul is known for Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Istanbul Metro.
Istanbul is one of the only major cities to span two continents, with about two-thirds of its population living in Europe and the rest in Asia.
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, standing on the Moskva River in Central Russia. It has a population estimated at over 13 million residents within the city limits, over 19.1 million residents in the urban area, and over 21.5 million residents in its metropolitan area. The city covers an area of 2,511 square kilometers (970 mi2), while the urban area covers 5,891 square kilometers (2,275 mi2), and the metropolitan area covers over 26,000 square kilometers (10,000 mi2).
Nicknamed "Third Rome", Moscow has an area of 2,511 km² and is home to 12.5 million people. The city dates back to 1147. Visitors come for Red Square, Kremlin, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Moscow Metro.
Moscow's metropolitan area covers over 26,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest metropolitan footprints in Europe.
Looking beyond city limits, the Moscow metropolitan area covers 5,891 km², which is 1.1x larger than greater Istanbul at 5,461 km². The Moscow metro area is also more populous, with 17.1 million people compared to 15.5 million.
Istanbul has a population density of 2,831 people per km² — a moderately dense city. Moscow, with 4,994 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Moscow is noticeably denser, packing 1.8 times more people per square kilometer.
Both cities are in Europe, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Istanbul (Turkey) and Moscow (Russia) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Istanbul has a oceanic climate while Moscow experiences humid continental conditions.
Size Ratio
Moscow fits inside Istanbul ~2 times
Density Gap
Moscow is 1.8x more densely populated
History
Istanbul is ~1,807 years older
Istanbul covers 5,461 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Shanghai (6,341 km²), Perth (6,417 km²), Dubai (4,114 km²), Guangzhou (7,434 km²), or Karachi (3,527 km²).
Moscow covers 2,511 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Cape Town (2,455 km²), Lima (2,672 km²), Tokyo (2,194 km²), Ho Chi Minh City (2,061 km²), or Cairo (3,085 km²).
The straight-line distance from Istanbul to Moscow is 1,756 km (1,091 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~2h 34m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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