Which place is cheaper, Barcelona or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Barcelona?
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 Barcelona. 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 Barcelona?
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.
Barcelona
Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of over 1.5 million people. It's also the capital of Catalonia and is located on the northeastern part of the Mediterranean coast. Barcelona is one of the country's most popular travel destinations because of its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture. Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic games and that had a strong influence over tourism in the area. Many different neighborhoods were renovated and rebuilt. Modern design became the norm in many parts of the city, although there is still an old city feel and many efforts at preservation.
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 Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Barcelona $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Barcelona is $167. 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 Barcelona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Barcelona $103
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Barcelona $206
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Barcelona
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Barcelona? 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 Barcelona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Barcelona $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $21
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
- Izmir Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
- Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $40
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43
- Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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10 Trip Metro Ticket$8.36
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Airport Bus$5.36
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Metro$2.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Barcelona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Airport to Barcelona City transfer : $31
- Barcelona Airport to Cruise Port Private Transfer: $40
- Barcelona City to Sant Train Station Barcelona private transfer: $31
- Transfer From Barcelona Airport to Barcelona Cruise Port: $40
- Airport Transfers Barcelona Minivan : $75
- Arrival Barcelona Airport Private Transfer: $31
- Arrival Private Transfer by Sedan from BCN airport to Barcelona: $70
- Arrival Private Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona: $33
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Car: $130
- Arrival Transfer El Prat Airport BCN to Barcelona by Luxury Van: $91
- Arrival Transfer by Luxury Van from Barcelona Port to Barcelona: $75
- Arrival Transfer from Barcelona Airport BCN to Barcelona in Private Car/Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Barcelona?
Prices for flights to both Barcelona 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 $24Barcelona $35
Typical Food Prices in Barcelona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Barcelona are as follows:
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Hot Cocoa & Churro$4.45
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Sandwich$1.82
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Baguette & Horchata$4.07
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Tapas on the beach$8.88
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Gelatto$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Barcelona
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Barcelona.
- Barcelona Street Food Tour with Local Market & City Center Visit: $21
- Barcelona Guided Street Food Tour and Gothic Quarter Visit: $21
- Flamenco at El Patio Andaluz with Optional Dinner: $27
- Walking Tour + Flamenco + Tapas Dinner (choose options): $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Barcelona with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- La Barceloneta: Tapas Food Tour: $37
- Barcelona La Barceloneta Tapas Food Tour: $38
- Barcelona Street Food Tour: Local Market & Gothic Quarter with Expert Guide: $43
- Boqueria Market & Barrio Gotico Street Food Tour: $56
- Wine Tasting and Tapas 5-Course Pairing Dinner: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience & Wine: $59
- Paella Cooking Experience and Wine in Barcelona: $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Barcelona $36
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 Barcelona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Barcelona are as follows:
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Picasso Walking Tour and Museum Pass$45
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Souvenir Gaudi Book$9.16
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Admission to Museo Picasso$6.43
Tours and Activities in Barcelona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Barcelona are as follows:
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $2.14
- History & Legends Comedy Tour: Barcelona Gothic Quarter: $2.94
- Gaudí Free Tour in English: $3.21
- Barcelona Free Tour: Gaudi Highlights and La Sagrada Famila: $3.21
- Alternative Free Tour of the Raval: $3.21
- Gothic Quarter Free Walking Tour in English: $3.21
- Gaudí Walking Tour: $3.21
- Sagrada Familia Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter: History&Legends Comedy Tour: $3.26
- Self-Guided Tours 150+ Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
- Barcelona Gaudi and Sagrada Familia Tour: $3.27
- Sagrada Familia Exterior Free Tour: Stories, Secrets & Symbolism: $3.27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Barcelona $18
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 Barcelona
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Barcelona:
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by King - Bar & Nightclub Hopping Tour: $14
- Barcelona Pub Crawl by KING - Nightlife Party Experience: $16
- Estrella Damm Brewery Guided Tour with Tasting: $16
- Night Pub Crawl Tour in Barcelona: $16
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: 4+ Venues, Free shots, Free Club Entry: $19
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Tour with Tasting: $21
- Estrella Damm Old Brewery Barcelona Guided Tour with Beer Tasting: $22
- Nightlife Tour - Barcelona Bar Crawl with Flamingos: $23
- Barcelona Bar Crawl: $26
- Barcelona Weekend Pub Crawl with 1.5 hour open bar@Hostel: $27
- Catalan Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour & VIP Club Entry: $29
- Barcelona Art & Wine Tour: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Barcelona, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Barcelona?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Barcelona. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?
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 Barcelona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Barcelona. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Izmir is a little warmer than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Barcelona 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Barcelona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Barcelona. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.
In the autumn, Izmir is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Barcelona 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Barcelona in the Winter?
Both Barcelona and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Barcelona during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Barcelona. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Barcelona 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Barcelona in the Spring?
Both Barcelona and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Izmir is a little warmer than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Barcelona 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Barcelona and Izmir
| Izmir | Barcelona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 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.