Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Aqaba?
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 Aqaba or Izmir?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Izmir, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Izmir?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesIzmir Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Izmir $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $86. 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 Aqaba and Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Izmir $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Izmir $86
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Izmir $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman/Death Sea: 1-Way Transfer to/from Wadi Rum in Private: $266
- Aqaba : Private Transfer From the Airport or your Hotel: $88
- Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
- Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
- Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
- Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
- Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
- Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Petra by Night Tour with Private Transfer: $198
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $248
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $66
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $91
- Ayvalık to Izmir Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $112
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Vito or Minibus ( Meet Transfer): $45
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $112
- Dalaman Airport - Marmaris - Fethiye Meet Transfer: $48
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
- Dalaman Airport Transfer: Travel in Comfort to Fethiye: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $73Izmir $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- 4h Jeep Tour + Bedouin Night (Dinner & Breakfast): $65
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $110
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $90
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Izmir $14
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
- Turgut camp with tour: $15
- Aqaba : All Water Sports Adventure in the Red Sea: $22
- Aqaba Walk Tour: History, Culture & Local Flavors: $27
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour Morning or Sunset Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
- Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
- Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
- Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
- Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
- Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark entrance tickets: $33
- Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $33
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Marmaris Turtle Beach Dalyan River Cruise and Mud Bath Adventure: $47
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- Ephesus Tour: $65
- Marmaris Pirate Themed Family Boat Cruise with Lunch: $65
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $71
- Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $77
- PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $79
- Izmir City Tour: $84
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Izmir $6.26
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: $277
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Izmir, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Izmir?
Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Aqaba or Izmir in the Summer?
Both Izmir and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Izmir in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during summer. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Izmir. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 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 JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Izmir in the Autumn?
Both Izmir and Aqaba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions during these months.
Aqaba is a little warmer than Izmir in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Izmir fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the autumn, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Izmir. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 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 OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Izmir in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Izmir. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Izmir because of the cuisine.
In the winter, Aqaba is much warmer than Izmir. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Izmir averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Izmir during winter. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.
Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Izmir. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Izmir in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Izmir. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.
In April, Aqaba is generally a little warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the spring, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Izmir. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 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 AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.