Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao. 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Bilbao $28
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 Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Luxury Van: $80
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Car: $70
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $209
- Bilbao Airport to the Basque Country: Private Transfers: $91
- Departure Private Transfer from Bilbao City to Bilbao airport BIO by Luxury Van: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $24Bilbao $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Bilbao $31
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
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.28
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.48
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Industrialists and Bourgeois: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $17
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
- Bilbao Historical Small Group Tour : $28
- Walking tour of Bilbao with pintxo and drink: $31
- Private Kayak Tour along the Getxo Coast and Hanging Bridge: $34
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Bilbao $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: $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 Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Bilbao?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
Both Bilbao and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bilbao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Bilbao. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Bilbao. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Izmir
| Izmir | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.