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

Should you visit Izmir or Caen?

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 Caen. 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 Caen?

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.

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is $132. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Caen $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Caen $130
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Caen? 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 Caen


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 Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Caen $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
  • Vip Airport Transfer: $98
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Caen $20

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $60
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $74
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum: $201
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Caen $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


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Caen?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Caen, 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 Caen?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Izmir or Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Caen. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Izmir is much warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Caen. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions.

In the autumn, Izmir is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Caen. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Izmir is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Caen. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Caen. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months.

Izmir is much warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Izmir

Izmir Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)