Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Izmir?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Izmir can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Izmir?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesIzmir Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Izmir $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $82. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Izmir $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Izmir $82
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Izmir? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Izmir $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi City/Hotels: $58
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $73
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $142
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $43
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $85
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $98
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: Modern & Cultural Highlights with Transfers: $108
- Abu Dhabi Combo Ticket: Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld with transfers: $195
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $29
- Izmir Airport Private Transfer to City Center Hotels: $41
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Van Meet Transfer: $45
- Izmir (ADB) Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Kusadasi: $45
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
- Izmir Airport Transfer Meet Transfer: $50
- İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $51
- Izmir Airport Private Transfer With Professional Driver: $52
- Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $53
- VIP Mercedes Vito Transfers in Izmir or Intercity: $56
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Kusadasi: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Izmir $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $39
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $50
- Experience Abu Dhabi Yas Island by Dhow Cruise at Sea with Dinner: $55
- Luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise Abu Dhabi Yas Island: $56
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Camel Ride and Live Shows: $56
- Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
- Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $58
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $95
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $115
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $296
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Izmir $14
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $15
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Non prime: $15
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Tickets: $16
- Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi Ticket Deals: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Emirates Park Zoo and Resort Tickets ️: $18
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket: $18
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $21
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $21
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Admission Ticket: $22
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Izmir Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
- PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines: $29
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $45
- Pamukkale Small Group Tour from Antalya: $56
- From Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Sirince Tour: $60
- Dalyan Boat Tour with Mud Bath & Iztuzu Beach from Sarigerme: $64
- Marmaris Pirate Themed Family Boat Cruise with Lunch: $65
- Private Tour: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary from Izmir Port: $70
- Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $77
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Izmir $5.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $124
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $278
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Izmir, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Izmir is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Izmir, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Izmir?
Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Izmir in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Izmir. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Izmir in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives less sunshine than Izmir during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives more rain than Izmir. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Izmir in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Izmir. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Izmir because of the city's sights and attractions.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Izmir. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Izmir averages at about 19°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Izmir. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Izmir in the Winter?
Both Izmir and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Izmir during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Izmir. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Izmir in the Spring?
Both Izmir and Abu Dhabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Izmir for the activities around the city.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Izmir in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Izmir. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.