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

Should you visit Izmir or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is $114. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Carcassonne $7.65

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Carcassonne $15

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 Carcassonne

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Carcassonne $14

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 Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Carcassonne, we can see that Carcassonne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Carcassonne?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Carcassonne. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Izmir is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Carcassonne. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Izmir is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Carcassonne in the Winter?

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

In January, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Carcassonne. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Izmir is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Izmir

Izmir Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)