Which place is cheaper, Cologne or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Cologne?
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 Cologne. 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 Cologne?
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.
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Cologne $172
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Cologne is $172. 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 Cologne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Cologne $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Cologne $194
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Cologne
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Cologne? 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 Cologne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Cologne $20
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $109
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
- Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Cologne?
Prices for flights to both Cologne 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 $24Cologne $54
Typical Food Prices in Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner$15
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Donner Kebab$4.29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $481
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Cologne $22
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 Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cologne Walking Tour: The essential and unmissable one: $3.20
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Original funky-fun Free Tour of Cologne: $3.21
- Germany eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.28
- Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sightseeing Tour: $5.88
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- Horrors of World War II Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.48
- Cologne Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Cologne $24
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 Cologne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
- Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
- Public brewery tour in Cologne in English: $18
- Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
- Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
- Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
- Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
- South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
- Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $29
- Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Cologne, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Cologne?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Cologne, 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 Cologne?
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 Cologne in the Summer?
Both Cologne and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cologne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Cologne. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Cologne 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Cologne in the Autumn?
Both Cologne and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cologne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Izmir is much warmer than Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Cologne. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Cologne 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Cologne in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Cologne. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cologne for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Cologne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Izmir is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 43 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 Cologne. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Cologne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Cologne in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Cologne. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cologne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Izmir is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Cologne. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Cologne 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cologne and Izmir
| Izmir | Cologne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.