Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Izmir or Bucharest?
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 Bucharest. 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 Bucharest?
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.
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Bucharest $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is $137. 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 Bucharest in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Bucharest $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Bucharest $126
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Bucharest
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Bucharest? 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 Bucharest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Bucharest $26
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 Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest to Drobeta Turnu Severin - Private Transfer - Driver and Car: $207
- ATV Adrenaline Race in Carpathian with Private Transfer: $141
- Airport Bucharest Transfer: $54
- Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $43
- Airport Private Transfer - to or from any Bucharest hotel: $64
- Airport Transfer Bucharest - Brasov ,Brasov- Bucharest: $65
- Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $43
- Airport to Bucharest /Private Transfer from OTP Henri Coanda: $39
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Business Car: $147
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $65
- Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $51
- Arrival Private Transfers: Bucharest Airport OTP to Bran Castle of Dracula: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Bucharest?
Prices for flights to both Bucharest 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 $24Bucharest $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Cooking Class traditional food: $65
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
- Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Bucharest $15
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 Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour Reyes y Palacios Bucarest: $11
- Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
- Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
- A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $16
- City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
- Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
- Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
- Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
- Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
- Virtual Reality Experience: $21
- Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $21
- Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Bucharest $9.17
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 Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Bucharest, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Bucharest?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Bucharest, 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 Bucharest?
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 Bucharest in the Summer?
Both Bucharest 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 Bucharest this time of year.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Bucharest averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Bucharest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Bucharest 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bucharest in the Autumn?
Both Bucharest and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Izmir is generally much warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in October than Bucharest. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Bucharest 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bucharest in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Bucharest. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bucharest in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Bucharest can get quite cold in the winter. Izmir is much warmer than Bucharest in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bucharest fluctuates around -1°C (29°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 71 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 Bucharest. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Bucharest -1°C (29°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Bucharest in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Bucharest. Additionally, most visitors come to Bucharest for the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Bucharest 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 Bucharest. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bucharest. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Bucharest 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bucharest and Izmir
| Izmir | Bucharest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.