Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Ankara?
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 Ankara. 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 Ankara?
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.
Ankara
Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $104Ankara $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $104, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $115. 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 Ankara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Ankara $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Ankara $112
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Ankara
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Ankara? 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 Ankara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Ankara $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $233
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $42
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $47
- Ayvalık to Izmir Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $90
- Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $94
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $38
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $89
- Cesme-Alacati Transfer: $67
- Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers to Gocek Hotels: $55
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
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Metro Ride$0.04
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Short Taxi Ride$0.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Ankara - Cappadocia Private Transfer (Mercedes Vito): $370
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $78
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $72
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $63
- Ankara Private Departure Transfer from City hotels to Airport: $60
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $111
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $111
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185
- Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
- Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
- Private transfer: Ankara Airport (ESB) to Ankara: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Ankara?
Prices for flights to both Ankara 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 $24Ankara $32
Typical Food Prices in Ankara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
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A Quick Lunch$0.35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $20Ankara $34
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 : $3.11
- Ephesus Tour: $57
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- Full Day Private Ephesus Tour From Izmir: $68
- Izmir City Tour : $72
- Ephesus Small Group Tour from Izmir: $99
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir: $104
- Small Group Pamukkale Tour From Izmir: $104
- Ephesus Small Group Tour From Izmir: $105
- Ephesus Tour From Izmir: $105
- Ephesus Full Day Tour From Izmir: $109
- Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Izmir Hotels: $110
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Underground City$0.25
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Walking tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $33
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ) : $33
- Private Tour with a Local: $38
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour: $49
- Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace: $145
- Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Day Cruise: $165
- Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $215
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $223
- Private Tour: Ankara Sightseeing: $235
- Ankara Private Walking Tour: $272
- Private Ankara City Tours by an Archaeologist Tour Guide : $280
- Konya and Cappdocia Tour (3 Days-2 Nights): $447
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.79Ankara $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $100
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $116
When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Ankara, we can see that Ankara 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 Izmir Expensive? and Is Ankara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Ankara?
Ankara has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Ankara, 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.
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.