Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesAnkara Prices
Turkey Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $85Ankara $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $85, while the average daily cost in Ankara 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 Izmir and Ankara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $42Ankara $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $84Ankara $80
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 $21Ankara $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $246
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $66
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $91
- Ayvalık to Izmir Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
- Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Vito or Minibus ( Meet Transfer): $44
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $158
- Dalaman Airport - Marmaris - Fethiye Meet Transfer: $48
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
- Dalaman Airport Transfer: Travel in Comfort to Fethiye: $75
- Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
- Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $246
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$0.03
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Short Taxi Ride$0.11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
- Ankara Airport & Hotel Transfers: $47
- Ankara Airport Transfer: Ankara by Private Luxury Vehicle: $63
- Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $111
- Ankara Esenboga Airport to City Hotels Transfer: $46
- Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $111
- Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $50
- Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $52
- Private Airport Transfer From/To Ankara Airport to Cankaya Hotels: $41
- Private Transfer Ankara Esenboga Airport ESB to Keçiören Ankara: $40
- Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $52
- 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
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 $29Ankara $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $90
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $293
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$0.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ankara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ankara.
- Baklava Cooking Class: $61
- Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class at Local Home with Family: $70
- Sustainable Home Cooking Class in Ankara: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $14Ankara $24
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- Full Day Marmaris Pirate Boat Tour with Lunch: $64
- Ephesus Tour: $64
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $70
- Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels: $75
- Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $76
- PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $79
- From Izmir Full Day Boat Tour of Cesme with Mediterranean Lunch: $84
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
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$0.17
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-Guided Secrets of Ankara Exploration Game Tour: $30
- Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour With A Guide: $34
- Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ): $35
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $35
- Ankara Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems: $39
- Private Walking Tour with a Local: $41
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- 6-Hour Private Tour with Guide, Car, and Lunch: $175
- Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $185
- Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $233
- Private Ankara Sightseeing Tour: $300
- Full Day Cappadocia Private Tour: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.18Ankara $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $122
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $275
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.