Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Izmir?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Izmir can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Heraklion or Izmir?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
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 dayHeraklion €158Izmir €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, 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 Heraklion and Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Izmir €57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Izmir €114
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion 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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Izmir €28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
- Crete Private Taxi Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Bali: $95
- Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Malia: $81
- Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Panormo: $103
- Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: $122
- Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
- Day Cruise from Heraklion with Catamaran & Transfer service: $123
- From Airport to Elounda Private Transfer: $107
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
- Heraklion Airport (HER): Private Transfer to Heraklion Port: $105
- Heraklion Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Heraklion city: $137
- Heraklion Int Airport (HER): Transfer to Heraklion hotels: $137
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
- Vip Airport Transfer: $98
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
- Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir and Heraklion 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 dayHeraklion €52Izmir €23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Izmir €19
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket: $8.56
- CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $8.73
- Mobile Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Crete: Palace of Knossos E-Ticket and Optional Audio Guide: $11
- Herakleion: City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *Skip the line: $16
- Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $17
- Knossos Palace: E-ticket with Audio and Heraklion City Tour: $18
- Party Bike 1 hour Experience in Malia : $19
- Knossos Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour KIDS: $21
- Minoan Day Experience: $22
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 dayHeraklion €26Izmir €8.31
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
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 Heraklion and Izmir, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Izmir in the Summer?
Both Izmir and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°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 Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Izmir. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 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 JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Izmir in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Izmir. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Izmir in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°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. Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Izmir during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Izmir. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 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 OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Izmir in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Izmir. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Heraklion is a little warmer than Izmir. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Izmir averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Izmir. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Izmir. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 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 JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Izmir in the Spring?
Both Izmir and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°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 Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Izmir. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 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 AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 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.