A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Arles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Arles?

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 Arles. 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 Arles?

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.

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Arles is $152. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Arles $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Arles $152
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Arles? 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 Arles


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 Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Arles $24

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 Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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 $24
    Arles $55

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    $4.82
  • Ice Cream
    $1.07

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Arles $33

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 Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    $5.89

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Arles $26

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 Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Arles?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Arles fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Arles. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Izmir is a little warmer than Arles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Arles. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Arles. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Izmir is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Arles averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Arles during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 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 Arles. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Arles. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Arles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. 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 Arles. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Izmir

Izmir Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)