Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Izmir $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, 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 Beirut and Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Izmir $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Izmir $120
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 $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Beirut Airport Transfer in a Limousine: $201
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- İzmir Airport Private Transfer Service: $50
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
- Transfer to Izmir airport from Kusadasi: $76
- Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44
- Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44
- Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $44
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 $0.71Izmir $24
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: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Authentic Lebanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with Tania's Family in Beirut: $100
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal + Transfers: $142
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Izmir $21
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Uncover Beirut's Divided Past: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Discovering Lebanon: Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $15
- Small Group Tour to Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos with Hotel pickup: $15
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City Sightseeing Beirut Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- Beirut : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $34
- Private Tour - Explore Anjar Lebanon: $35
- Beirut Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $35
- Beirut Full Day Walking Tour: $41
- Private Walking Tour With A Guide (Private tour): $48
- From Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos Tour: $50
- Full-Day Private Tour to Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche: $50
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
- Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
- 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
- 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,075
- Alaçatı And Çeşme Private Tour: $100
- Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $283
- 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: $175
- Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $150
- Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Izmir $8.86
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $56
- Uncorking Splendor: A Journey Through Private Wine Tasting Tours: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $69
- Wine Tasting and Hiking in the Cedars forest : $69
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $103
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
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
- 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.