Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Izmir or Cairo?
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 Cairo. 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 Cairo?
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.
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Cairo $17
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $17. 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 Cairo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Cairo $9.36
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Cairo $19
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Cairo
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Cairo? 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 Cairo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Cairo $2.99
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
-
Metro Ride$0.08
-
Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- Airport and excursion in Hurghada , Luxor or Cairo Transfer: $16
- Cairo Airport Arrival Transfer: $20
- Private Pickup transfer from Windsor Hotel Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $27
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private transfer from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo to Cairo airport: $9.60
- Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer in Cairo or Giza: $49
- Transfer from Anywhere in Cairo to Cairo International Airport: $25
- Transfers From Cairo Airport: $10
- Private Transfer from/to Cairo International Airport: $26
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $10
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Cairo?
Prices for flights to both Cairo 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 $24Cairo $4.75
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
-
Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Cairo/Giza: Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show & Private Transfer : $9.63
- Cairo Dinner Cruise, Belly Dancer Show With Pickup Service: $11
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $12
- Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
- VIP tour Giza pyramids ,Sphinx, Quad bike ,Camel, Dinner cruise : $19
- Private Expert tour Giza Pyramids ,Sphinx ,Nile Dinner Cruise & Belly Dancer: $19
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $19
- Giza Pyramids, Camel Ride, Quad Bike, Night and Dinner Cruise on Nile: $19
- Private Cairo Food Tour : $20
- All inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & ATV &Dinner cruise : $20
- Giza pyramids and Nile dinner cruise private tour from Cairo Giza hotels: $22
- Private Cairo food tour and Egyptian tea: $22
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Cairo $5.75
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 Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
-
Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.49
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dahshur Pyramids Entry Tickets: $4.25
- Baron Palace Entry Tickets : $4.60
- Cairo Shopping tour Private Papyrus Essential oils Bazar Cotton : $4.70
- Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Entry Ticket: $4.80
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Papyrus and Perfumes in Ancient Egypt: $5.00
- All Inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara: $5.00
- New Grand Egyptian Museum Tour with optional the pyramids tour..: $5.00
- Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan Entry Ticket: $5.10
- Baron Empain Palace Entry Tickets: $5.15
- Serapeum Of Saqqara Entry Tickets: $7.00
- Cairo Shopping Tour.: $7.00
- El Sultan Hassan Mosque Entry Ticket: $7.08
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Cairo $1.17
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Cairo, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Cairo is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Cairo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Cairo?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Cairo, 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 Cairo?
Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Izmir or Cairo in the Summer?
Both Cairo and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Cairo in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cairo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Cairo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Cairo during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 350 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives more rain than Cairo. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Cairo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Cairo in the Autumn?
Both Cairo and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round.
In the autumn, Izmir is cooler than Cairo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cairo averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Cairo. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 290 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in October than Cairo. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Cairo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Cairo in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Cairo. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Izmir is generally much colder than Cairo. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Cairo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Cairo during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 221 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 Cairo. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Cairo 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Cairo in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Cairo. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year.
Izmir is cooler than Cairo in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Cairo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Cairo. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 276 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Cairo. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Cairo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Cairo and Izmir
| Izmir | Cairo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.