Which place is cheaper, Bologna or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Izmir or Bologna?
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 Bologna. 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 Bologna?
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.
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Bologna $170
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Bologna is $170. 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 Bologna in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Bologna $93
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Bologna $186
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Bologna
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Bologna? 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 Bologna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Bologna $22
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:
- Arrival Private Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Modena or Verona by Business Van: $162
- Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Business Car: $121
- Arrival Private Transfers: Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City in Luxury Van: $135
- Arrival Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to Bologna City by Sedan: $56
- Arrival Transfer from Ravenna/Cruise Port to Venice Piazzale Roma: $120
- Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Private Transfer: $163
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Bologna - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $86
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $172
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Ravenna city or Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $113
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Venice - Arrival Private Transfer: $117
- Bologna Airport (BLQ) to Venice - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Bologna?
Prices for flights to both Bologna 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 dayIzmir $24Bologna $42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.
- Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $35
- Bologna Food Tour including Tagliatelle, Mortadella, Wine: $57
- Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $73
- Exclusive Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $74
- Exclusive Bologna Cooking Class - Pasta Tagliatelle Ragu & Spritz: $75
- Traditional Bolognese Cooking Class with a Meal: $80
- Traditional Recipes Cooking Class with Local Wines: $82
- Hands on Home Cooking Class: $84
- Walking Food Tour with a Local Guide: $84
- Tastes and Traditions Food Tour with Market Visit: $84
- Tastes & Traditions of Food Tour with Market Visit: $86
- Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $92
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Bologna $41
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 Bologna
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:
-
Food Tour (for 2)$34
-
Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)$123
-
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)$72
-
National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)$13
-
Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Bologna
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bologna Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide: $4.36
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Porta Galliera to Le Tre Frecce: $5.99
- Self-Guided Historical Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $6.42
- Bologna Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
- Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $7.49
- Bologna's Ancient and Recent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Ancient and Recent History Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Bologna $30
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 Bologna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:
- Modena area: Lambrusco Wine Tasting Experience: $38
- From Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tour with the winemaker: $53
- Monte San Pietro: Montevecchio Isolani Tour & Wine Tasting: $53
- Bologna Food & Wine tour with a local Chef: $69
- Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $70
- Bologna Wine Tasting in One of the Oldest Inns: $71
- Small-Group Half-Day Wine Tour with Tasting in Dozza Village: $102
- Taste the real Bologna Food and Wine tour: $107
- Wine Tasting Experience with a Local Guide: $118
- Exclusive Italian Wine Tasting: $131
- Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Bologna with a local guide : $138
- Italian Wine Tasting on the Panoramic Terrace in Bologna: $163
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Bologna?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Bologna, 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 Bologna?
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 Bologna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Bologna. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bologna this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Bologna. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Bologna 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bologna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Bologna. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Izmir is a little warmer than Bologna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°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 Bologna. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bologna. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Bologna. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Bologna 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bologna in the Winter?
Both Bologna and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bologna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bologna can be very cold. In the winter, Izmir is much warmer than Bologna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Bologna averages at about 2°C (36°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Bologna. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Bologna 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bologna in the Spring?
Both Bologna and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.
In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Bologna. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Bologna. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Bologna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Bologna and Izmir
| Izmir | Bologna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.