Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesCairo Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $96Cairo $33
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $33. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $47Cairo $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $94Cairo $22
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $23Cairo $3.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $120
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $55
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $61
- Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
- Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Edremit Hotels: $113
- Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
- Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
- Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $113
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- 2-Days Trip in Cairo & Giza (Including Free Transfer from the Airport): $143
- Private Tour Giza Pyramids,Sphinx With Camel Ride,Lunch and Hotels Transfers: $13
- Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
- Private transfer from Cairo Airport to The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel: $12
- Private transfer from Sonesta Hotel, Tower& Casino Cairo to Cairo airport: $12
- Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx Half Day Tour With Private Guide & Transfers : $135
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer in Cairo or Giza: $50
- 01 way Private Transfer from your Hotel in Cairo to Cairo Airport: $13
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Ride At Giza Pyramids With Private Transfer : $30
- 1 Way Pick up transfer from Cairo to Hurghada by private Car: $60
- 2 Day Cairo Tour upon arrival day with airport transfer: $160
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
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Food Meals for one dayIzmir $33Cairo $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class in İzmir: $59
- Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
- Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
- Great tour toThe Grand Museum of Giza and Nile River DinnerCruise: $5.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
- Cairo Food Tour with Nile Felucca Ride : $7.00
- Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
- Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $8.00
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $8.00
- Local Oriental Food Tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $9.00
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $9.00
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $9.00
- food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $9.00
- Giza pyramids,Sphinx,ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise& shopping: $9.00
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $16Cairo $9.09
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $30
- Guided Walking Tour of Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Castle: $32
- Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
- Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
- private Ephesus the House of the Virgin Mary Tour from Izmir : $64
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
- Ephesus Tour: $66
- Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels : $67
- PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $69
- Izmir City Tour: $84
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
- From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour WITH ENTRY TICKETS+LUNCH: $85
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.84
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$6.47
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $1.00
- Egyptian Museum Tour Cave Church Old Cairo Saladin Citadel: $1.00
- Best Day TourTo Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Egyptian Museum, Bazar,Lunch: $1.75
- Cheap Day tour to Giza Pyramids Sphinx With Camel Rid : $2.00
- Best Egypt Tour Giza Pyramids Sphinx lunch fees camel 9rd pyramid: $3.50
- VIP privatr tour Giza pyramids sphins &Saqqara and Memphis : $3.50
- Explore Giza Pyramids on a Private ATV or Camel Tour: $4.00
- Chep Day Tour Pyramids Giza, Memphis, Saqqara and Camel: $4.00
- Private Half Day Pyramids Tour with Felucca: $4.50
- All inclusive Tour To Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel Ride, Lunch: $4.50
- Private Tour in Iconic Giza Pyramids From Cairo: $5.00
- Cairo Highlights Tours Visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx: $5.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.94Cairo $1.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $126
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $132
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70
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. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. 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.
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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. The autumn months attract visitors to Izmir because of the city's sights and attractions. 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.
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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. The cuisine are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. 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.
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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. Many travelers come to Izmir for the activities around the city. 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.
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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.