Which place is cheaper, Catania or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Catania?
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 Catania. 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 Catania?
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.
Catania
Located on the east coast of Sicily, Catania is at the base of Mount Etna, which is the largest volcano in Europe. It's also the island's second largest city and a major transportation center for the area. With almost one million residents in the metropolitan area, the city serves as an important economic base and university town for Sicily. It's a vibrant city with a young population, a lively downtown, and an excellent nightlife. The city has an abundance of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the downtown area, where much of it is this architecture is concentrated, has been declared a World Heritage Site.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Catania $129
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Catania is $129. 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 Catania in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Catania $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Catania $138
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Catania
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Catania? 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 Catania Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Catania $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $21
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
- Izmir Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
- Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $40
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43
- Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Catania
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Catania:
- Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Palermo by Car: $722
- Catania Airport: Private Transfer to Catania and Acireale: $52
- Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Syracuse: $6.63
- Catania International Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Taormina: $7.49
- Catania Private Transfer (Taormina, Siracusa, Noto, Messina, Naxos, Etna, etc): $71
- Catania Airport to/from Verdura Resort Transfer: $321
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Agrigento: $373
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Catania: $63
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Siracusa: $134
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Siracusa: $155
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Taormina: $155
- From Catania Airport: 1-Way Private Van Transfer to Taormina: $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Catania?
Prices for flights to both Catania 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 $24Catania $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Catania
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Catania.
- Catania Street Food Tour: Fish Market & City Centre: $38
- Catania Street Food Tour: $52
- Cooking class & visit to the Catania Historical market: $59
- Patisserie Food tour: $60
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
- Food tour of Catania by night: $64
- Catania Street Food Tour: $67
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
- Aci Trezza boat tour with dinner on board: $85
- Cooking Class Tiramisù: $95
- Cooking Class Arancini in Catania: $96
- Cooking class Pizza: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Catania $21
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 Catania
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Catania are as follows:
- One-way tickets to travel between airport and city: $2.69
- Benedictine Monastery of Guided tour in English: $11
- Heart of the City Guided Walking Tour: $21
- The heart of the City - Guided tour in Italian: $21
- Underground Catania Tickets and Guided Tour: $21
- the heart of the City - Guided Walking Tour: $21
- City Highlights Walking Tour: $24
- City Highlights Tour with Guide: $27
- Food Tasting Tour in an ancient church: $35
- Tasting tour in the ancient church of Piazza Scammacca: $35
- Pozzo di Gaspare Farm Guided Tour with Tastings: $37
- 2 hours guided tour of Catania: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Catania $19
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 Catania
Also in Catania, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Volcanic Wine Tasting in a Metropolitan Market: $48
- Wine Tasting in the South Slope of Etna: $50
- Etna: Urban Winery, Vineyards Walk & Wine Tasting at Sunset: $62
- Wine tour in Catania: $102
- Mt Etna and Wine tasting tour from Catania: $116
- Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: $126
- From Mt.Etna picnic and wine tasting: $128
- Guided Tour of Etna with Wine Tasting & Appetizers: $139
- Etna trekking and wine tasting: $147
- Tour Etna & Wine Tasting: $158
- Etna Tour and Lunch in a Winery with Wine Tasting: $265
- From Catania/Taormina: Mount Etna Private Wine Tasting Tour: $433
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Catania, we can see that Catania 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 Catania would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Catania 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 Catania Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Catania?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Catania. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Catania, 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 Catania?
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 Catania in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Catania. Furthermore, many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Catania during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Catania. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Catania 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Catania in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Catania. Additionally, most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Catania. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Catania. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Catania 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Catania in the Winter?
Both Catania and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Izmir is cooler than Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Catania during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Catania. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Catania 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Catania in the Spring?
Both Catania and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).
In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Catania. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Catania. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Catania 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Catania and Izmir
| Izmir | Catania | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 87 mm (3.4 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.