Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai or Izmir?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Izmir can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Izmir?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 dayDubai $248Izmir $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Izmir $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Izmir $120
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Izmir $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Banana Boat Ride Dubai With Transfer: $190
- Burj Al Arab Tour - Gold Cappuccino With Private Transfers: $147
- Dubai Frame & La Perle Dragon Dubai (Bronze) With Transfer: $210
- Dubai Maktoum DWC to Al Ain Private Limo-Van Transfer: $67
- Dubai Private Transfer to The Outlet Village: $92
- Jet Ski Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfers: $109
- 1 Day 1 Park (Motiongate or Legoland) with Private Transfer: $185
- 1-Hour Quad Biking Tour with Transfer from Dubai: $61
- 12 Minute Helicopter Ride in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $255
- 2 Dives for Certified Divers in Fujairah with lunch & transfer: $167
- 2 Hour View at The Palm Ticket and One Way Monorail with Transfer: $65
- 20 Minute Jet Car Ride Near Burj Al Arab with Optional Transfers: $230
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $296
- Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $214
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $186
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
- Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $168
- Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $168
- Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $154
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $148
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Dubai or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Izmir $24
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.53
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Dubai $19Izmir $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- Tourist eSIM/SIM Card with Data and Minutes: $2.50
- Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
- Ticket to Muséum of the futuré: $5.30
- Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.34
- 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $6.46
- Old Town Walking Tour with Souks, Abra Ride & Snacks: $8.00
- Old Walking Tour with Boat Ride, Souks and Museums: $8.17
- Old Dubai, Walking Tour, Souk Shopping, and Abra Ride: $8.85
- Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
- Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Guided Old Town Tour with Souks, Tastings & Boat Tour: $9.53
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
- "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: $1,075
- Alaçatı And Çeşme Private Tour: $130
- Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $284
- Aphrodisias Tour from Izmir: $126
- 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: $273
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDubai $23Izmir $8.87
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
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: $115
- 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 Dubai and Izmir, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Izmir?
Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Dubai or Izmir in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Izmir. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Izmir. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Izmir averages at about 28°C (82°F).
Dubai usually gets more rain in July than Izmir. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Izmir in the Autumn?
Both Izmir and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year.
In October, Dubai is generally much warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Izmir. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 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 OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Izmir in the Winter?
Both Izmir and Dubai during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Dubai is much warmer than Izmir in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Izmir. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Izmir in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Izmir. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round.
In the spring, Dubai is much warmer than Izmir. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Izmir averages at about 16°C (61°F).
In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Izmir. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to August in Dubai is the dry season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Dubai
| Dubai | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.