A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Izmir for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chania or Izmir?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania 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: Chania or Izmir?

Chania

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. Chania is Crete's most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter, crisscrossed by narrow lanes, culminating at a magnificent harbor. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman influences. On the other side, the Nautical Museum has model ships, naval objects and photographs. The former monastery of St. Francis houses the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture abound, with old townhouses now transformed into atmospheric restaurants and boutique hotels. Although all this beauty means the old town is packed with tourists in summer, it's still a great place to unwind. The Venetian Harbor is super for a stroll and a coffee or cocktail. Plus it’s got a university and a modern area to the city, which means that it retains its charm in winter. Indie boutiques and an entire lane dedicated to leather products provide good shopping and, with a multitude of creative restaurants, you’ll likely have some of your best meals on Crete here.

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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Chania?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chania is €93, 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 Chania and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chania 46
    Izmir 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chania 92
    Izmir 114
Compare Hotels in Chania and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Chania 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.

Hotels in Chania


Hotels in Izmir


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: Chania Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chania 15
    Izmir 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:

  • Arrival Transfer Chania Airport to Chania, Rethimno or Heraklion: $25
  • Bali: Shared Transfer from Chania/Heraklion Airport to Bali: $33
  • Balos Beach Private Roundtrip Transfer with Free Time: $235
  • Chania Int Airport (CHQ): Transfer to Heraklion Cruise Port: $351
  • Chania to Elafonissi Beach/ Cretan Villages Private Transfer: $332
  • Chania to Faistos Palace Private Transfer Full Day Tour: $529
  • Chania to Imbros Gorge Private Full Day Transfer: $364
  • Chania to Irini Gorge & Sougia Village: Private Transfer: $406
  • Chania to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Private Transfer: $529
  • Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet and transfer: $31
  • Elafonisi Beach Day Trip with Elos Stop and Transfer: $34
  • Falassarna Beach Sunset Trip with Transfer: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
  • From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Chania 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chania 32
    Izmir 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chania

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chania.

  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $87
  • CHANIA WALKING FOOD TOURS – 3 HOUR WALKING TOUR: $107
  • CHANIA CRETE COOKING CLASSES – 3 HOURS: $107
  • Chania Cooking Class-The Authentic: $118
  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $123
  • From The Ultimate Food Tour Of Chania Villages: $123
  • Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner: $127
  • From Agioi Theodoroi Catamaran Dinner Cruise: $127
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour: $128
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour - Chania: $131
  • Horse riding,falasarna sunset,dinner in a tavern,drone video: $214

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chania 21
    Izmir 19

Tours and Activities in Chania

Here are a few actual costs in Chania for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Chania's Turbulent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Discover Chania's Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Archaeological Museum Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $11
  • Full-Day Tour Gramvousa Balos Bay from Rethymno with French Guide: $19
  • Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide: $19
  • Shared Falassarna Beach Tour Visit from Rethymno: $25
  • Skip the Line: Limnoupolis Water Admission Ticket: $27
  • Full Day Guided Botanic Garden Tour in Spili, Preveli and Plakias: $27
  • From Rethymno Areas: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Guided Tour: $27
  • Chania Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise to Thodorou & Lazareta: $29

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
  • 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
  • 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
  • Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $70
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chania 18
    Izmir 8.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Chania

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chania:

  • Cretan wine tasting, hosted in French: $91
  • Milia Mountain Tour w/Lunch Olive Oil/Wine Tastings: $144
  • Wines, Olives, and History: A Private Wine Tour from Chania: $791

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 comparing the travel costs between Chania and Izmir, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chania or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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 Chania or Izmir?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chania or Izmir in the Summer?

Both Izmir and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chania is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Izmir averages at about 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Izmir. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chania 26°C (80°F) 
    Izmir 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Chania or Izmir in the Autumn?

Both Izmir and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Chania often gets less sunshine than Izmir. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets more rain in October than Izmir. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chania 20°C (68°F) 
    Izmir 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Chania or Izmir in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Izmir. Most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Izmir in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Chania usually receives less sunshine than Izmir during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Izmir. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chania 12°C (54°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Chania or Izmir in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Izmir. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Chania is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Izmir averages at about 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 Chania this time of the year. In the spring, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Izmir. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chania 17°C (62°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Chania

Chania Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)