Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Izmir $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $105. 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 $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Izmir $120
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 $30
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:
- Abrahamic Family House Tour with Transfer: $89
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Abu Dhabi Hotel or Address): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Dubai hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi: $100
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $131
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To or From Anywhere within Abu Dhabi: $70
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer to Hotel or Vice Versa: $65
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfers : Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi City by Luxury Van: $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $22
- Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir Port: $23
- Izmir Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $25
- Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
- Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $29
- Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $36
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $42
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
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 $45Izmir $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Izmir $21
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $8.16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Admission Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
- Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
- FOCA PHOTOGRAPHER - Private Photo Experience in Foça Izmir: $38
- PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
- Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
- Ephesus Tour: $56
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
- Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
- Izmir City Tour: $70
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Izmir $8.87
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $115
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.