Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Izmir?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Izmir. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Izmir?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 dayAthens €127Izmir €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Izmir is €98. 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 Athens and Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Izmir €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Izmir €114
Compare Hotels in Athens and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Izmir €28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Athens to Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Private Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port Transfer: $80
- "Luxurious Transfer": $47
- AIRPORT TRANSFER in Athens : $28
- Airport Private Transfers: $79
- Airport Transfer: $109
- Airport Transfer/ Athens Greece: $28
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Business Car: $80
- Airport Transfer: Athens Airport ATH to Athens by Luxury Car: $126
- Airport Transfer: Athens to Athens Airport ATH by Luxury Van: $113
- Airport transfer: $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Athens Airport ATH to Athens City by Minibus: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
- Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
- Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
- Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Izmir €23
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Izmir €19
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Meouzo Online City Tour: $3.20
- Self-guided First Discovery Walk and Reading Tour: $3.21
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour into Byzantine Gems: $4.60
- A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- 360 Virtual tour of Ancient Athens: $6.00
- Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.42
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Athens: $6.53
- Ancient Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- The Best of Piraeus: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.99
- Ancient Agora of Athens Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Greece: Tourist eSIM Data Plan: $7.18
- South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.48
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
- Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
- 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
- Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
- Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Izmir €8.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
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: $114
- 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 Athens and Izmir, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Izmir?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Athens or Izmir in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Izmir. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Izmir averages at about 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in July than Izmir. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Athens or Izmir in the Autumn?
Both Izmir and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In October, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Izmir during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Izmir. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Athens or Izmir in the Winter?
Both Izmir and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Athens is a little warmer than Izmir in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun.
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Izmir. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Athens or Izmir in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Izmir. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Athens is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Izmir averages at about 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Izmir. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Athens
| Athens | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.