Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Beirut?
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 Beirut 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 Beirut 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: Beirut or Izmir?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.
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Beirut Prices
Lebanon PricesIzmir Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.78Izmir $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.78, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $80. 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 Beirut and Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Izmir $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Izmir $78
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Izmir $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $200
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $25
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.99
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Paragliding in Lebanon with Hotel Transfer From Beirut: $192
- Private Airport Arrival Pick Up & Transfer to your Beirut Hotel: $10
- Private Arrival Transfer | Beirut Airport to Your Hotel: $10
- Private Departure Transfer | Beirut Hotel to Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: From your hotel in Beirut to Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $49
- izmir kusadasi transfer: $68
- Vip Airport Transfer: $68
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $170
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $79
- Transfer to Izmir airport from Kusadasi: $78
- Transfer from Izmir to Selimiye: $227
- Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $86
- Transfer From Izmir to Cesme/Alacati: $136
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $1.23Izmir $27
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Street Food Tour, Lebanon: $85
- Beirut Street Food Tour | Hummus, Knefeh & Manoushe: $135
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Izmir $13
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos Small-Group Tour | From Beirut: $30
- Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos: Small Group Tour with Hotel pickup: $30
- Hop-On Hop-Off Citysightseeing Tour & Audio Guide: $30
- New Cost Saver Small-Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos: $30
- Small Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Small Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Small-Group Tour: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, Byblos with Hotel Pickup: $30
- Beirut Private Walking Tour with a Local: $35
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $35
- Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $45
- Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: $45
- Small-Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos with Lunch: $45
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Izmir to Ephesus: Private Highlights Tour with Fast-Track Entry": $176
- 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $227
- Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
- Alacati and Cesme Private Tour from Izmir: $153
- Aqua Fantasy Waterpark Skip the Line Tickets: $54
- BEST SELLER Small Group Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $112
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
- Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $284
- Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170
- Customized Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $142
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Izmir $5.77
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar, Ixsir & Batroun Day Trip: $75
- Private Bekaa Wine Tour | Saint Thomas, Kefraya & Ksara · Beirut: $100
- Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar, Ixsir & Batroun from Beirut: $100
- Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour | 3 Wineries from Beirut: $100
- Private Bekaa Wine Tour | 3 Wineries · St Thomas, Kefraya & Ksara: $100
- Private Wine Tour | Chateau Musar & Ixsir Winery from Beirut: $100
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
- PRIVATE Wine Tour in Central Bekaa Valley: $113
- Private Cedar Hike & Bekaa Wine Tour | Kefraya & Ksara: $150
- Discover Wine Tasting Lebanese Tour Experience: $170
- Half-Day Private Chateau Musar and Ixsir Wine Tour from Beirut: $178
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $224
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $120
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Izmir, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir than you might in Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Beirut. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Izmir?
Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Beirut experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Beirut or Izmir in the Summer?
Both Izmir and Beirut during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.
In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the summer, Beirut often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun.
Beirut usually gets more rain in July than Izmir. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 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 JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Izmir in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Izmir. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Also, many travelers come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions.
Beirut is a little warmer than Izmir in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Izmir fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Izmir during autumn. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Beirut usually receives more rain than Izmir. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 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 OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Izmir in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Izmir. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Izmir in the winter for the cuisine.
In the winter, Beirut is a little warmer than Izmir. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Izmir averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. Beirut receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Izmir. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 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 JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Izmir in the Spring?
Both Izmir and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Izmir for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during spring. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beirut usually receives more rain than Izmir. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 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 AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Beirut
| Beirut | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.