Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Alicante?
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 Izmir and Alicante. 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: Izmir or Alicante?
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.
Alicante
Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Alicante $136
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Alicante is $136. 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 Izmir and Alicante in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Alicante $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Alicante $90
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Alicante
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Alicante? 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Alicante Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Alicante -
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:
- Albir: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $90
- Alicante Airport (El Altet) (ALC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Alicante Hotels): $78
- Alicante Airport(ALC) to Alicante City: Arrival Private Transfer: $33
- Alicante to Alicante Airport (ALC)- Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Airport Transfer Alicante - Valencia: $201
- Bullring and Castle Guided Tour with Taxi Transfer: $74
- Private transfer Alicante Airport - Altea Hills: $94
- Calpe: Alicante Airport (ALC) Private Transfer: $111
- Private Roundtrip Transfer from Alicante Airport ALC to Alicante: $65
- Private Transfer - Alicante Airport (ALC) to Alicante Cruise Port: $39
- Private Transfer - Alicante Cruise Port to Alicante Airport (ALC): $39
- Private Transfer from Alicante (ALC) Airport to Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort: $180
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Alicante?
Prices for flights to both Alicante and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $24Alicante $77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.
- Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
- Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
- Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
- Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
- Alicante Food Tour: $71
- Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
- Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
- Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
- Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Alicante $56
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante
Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)$58
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Catamaran Cruise (for 2)$71
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)$128
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Walking Tour (for 2)$64
Tours and Activities in Alicante
Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour of Alicante Bullring & Bullfighting Museum with Audioguide: $9.81
- Tour de historias y leyendas del Castillo de Santa Bárbara: $13
- Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
- Seven Secrets of Alicante Discovery Tour: $31
- Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
- Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
- City. Discover Alicante by E-Bike & walking tour: $32
- Calas and Beaches E-Bike Tour with Snorkeling: $32
- City and Beach Bike Tour: $32
- Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
- 2-Hour Late Afternoon Catamaran Cruise: $34
- Highlights Bike Tour: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Alicante -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante
Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
- Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
- Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
- Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
- Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
- Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
- Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Alicante, we can see that Alicante 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Alicante?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Alicante, 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 Izmir or Alicante?
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 Izmir or Alicante in the Summer?
Both Alicante and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Alicante averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Alicante during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Alicante. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Alicante 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Alicante in the Autumn?
Both Alicante and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Alicante. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Alicante 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Alicante in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Alicante. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Izmir is cooler than Alicante in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Alicante. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Alicante 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Alicante in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Alicante. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.
In the spring, Izmir is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Alicante averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Alicante. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Alicante 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Alicante and Izmir
| Izmir | Alicante | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 34 mm (1.3 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.