A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Izmir vs. Antalya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Europe / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Izmir or Antalya?

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 Antalya. 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 Antalya?

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.

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.

Which place is cheaper, Antalya or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $118, while the average daily cost in Antalya is $166. 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 Antalya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $68
    Antalya $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $136
    Antalya $124
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Antalya

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Antalya? 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.

Hotels in Izmir


Hotels in Antalya


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 Antalya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $34
    Antalya $124

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • İzmir Airport Private Transfer Service: $50
  • izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $76
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $76
  • Transfer to Izmir airport from Kusadasi: $76
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $428
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
  • Round-Trip Transfer From Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $290
  • 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 Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - Bus/Coach: $402
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - Economy: $88
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - TOP VIP Minibus: $132
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - VIP Minibus: $118
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Turkler Transfer - VIP Minivan: $103
  • Private Transfer From Antalya Airport To Denizyaka / Gündoğdu / Çolaklı: $76
  • Private Transfer From Antalya Airport To Titreyengöl / Sorgun: $91
  • Adana Airport Transfers to Adana city Hotels: $55
  • Adana Airport Transfers to Ceyhan Hotels: $82
  • Adana Airport Transfers to Mersin Hotels: $115
  • Adana Airport Transfers to Osmaniye City Hotels: $142
  • Adana Airport Transfers to Tarsus city Hotels: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Antalya?

Prices for flights to both Antalya 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Izmir $27
    Antalya $29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $45
  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Private Street Food Tour in Antalya: $60
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $65
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $73

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Antalya $52

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best of Ephesus Guided Tour from - to Izmir: $240
  • Ephesus Small Group Tour From Izmir: $109
  • From izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary tours : $122
  • 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: $44
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $250
  • 2 Days Ephesus Pamukkale Tour: $530
  • 2 Days Private Byzantine & Ottoman & Ephesus Tour: $605
  • 2 Days Private Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $399
  • 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour: $578
  • 2-Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour From Izmir: $481

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Antalya Highlights Escape Game and Tour: $3.23
  • Antalya Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
  • Bazaar Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $6.00
  • Antalya Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.95
  • Spa and Skin Care Experience with Massage and Drink: $8.00
  • Antalya Scavenger Hunt And Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.18
  • White Water Rafting Tour from Antalya: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Full-Day Private Rafting Adventure in Karabük Türkiye: $11
  • Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Antalya Highlights Self guided scavenger hunt and Walking Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $10
    Antalya $23

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $99
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $121
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $159
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $187

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Antalya, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Izmir.

Which is Bigger, Izmir or Antalya?

Izmir is bigger, and its population is about 3.3 times larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the population of Izmir vs. Antalya, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Izmir or Antalya?

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 Izmir or Antalya in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Antalya. Also, many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Antalya. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 376 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Antalya. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Antalya 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Antalya in the Autumn?

Both Antalya and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Antalya in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Antalya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Antalya fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Antalya during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 251 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Antalya. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Antalya 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Antalya in the Winter?

Both Antalya and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Izmir is cooler than Antalya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Antalya averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Antalya. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 161 hours of full sun.

Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets less rain in January than Antalya. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Antalya 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Antalya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Antalya. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Antalya. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antalya. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Antalya 16°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Antalya and Izmir

Izmir Antalya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Pamukkale vs. Izmir
Pamukkale vs. Antalya
Ephesus vs. Izmir
Ephesus vs. Antalya
Izmir vs. Cappadocia
Izmir vs. Fethiye
Izmir vs. Diyarbakir
Izmir vs. Bodrum
Izmir vs. Ankara
Izmir vs. Istanbul
Izmir vs. Olympos
Cappadocia vs. Antalya
Fethiye vs. Antalya
Diyarbakir vs. Antalya
Bodrum vs. Antalya
Antalya vs. Ankara
Antalya vs. Istanbul
Antalya vs. Olympos
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Izmir vs. Antalya Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.