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

Should you visit Izmir or Darjiling?

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 Darjiling. 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 Darjiling?

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.

Darjiling

What began as a cluster of villages grew to prominence in the 19th Century when the British first established a hill station here and eventually realized that the climate was well-suited for tea plantations. Darjeeling (or Darjiling) has since become known for its teas in addition to cultural diversity, stunning views, and trekking opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Darjiling 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 Darjiling is $35. 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 Darjiling in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Darjiling $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Darjiling $26
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Darjiling

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Darjiling? 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 Darjiling


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 Darjiling Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Darjiling $7.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $295
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $241
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $230
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $168
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • 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 Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darjiling

Also for Darjiling, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Darjeeling Hotels To Bagdogra Airport IXB Drop: $49
  • Private Transfers Darjeeling - Gangtok Drop: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Darjiling?

Prices for flights to both Darjiling 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
    Darjiling $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Darjiling $12

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,075
  • Alaçatı And Çeşme Private Tour: $100
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $283
  • 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: $175
  • Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $150
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $147

Tours and Activities in Darjiling

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Darjiling.

  • Discover the Spiritual Trails of Gangtok (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
  • Heritage & Cultural Walk of Gangtok (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Heritage & Cultural Walk of Darjeeling (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
  • Tiger Hill Darjeeling Nature Walk (3 Hours Guided Trekking Experience): $25
  • Colonial Heritage Walking Tour in Darjeeling: $31
  • Darjeeling Tea Garden Tour : $31
  • Mirik Lake Day tour From Darjeeling: $37
  • Private Morning Excursion Tour To Tiger Hill (3 Points) With Pickup and Drop: $61
  • Excursion to Tea Estate Tour With Tea Processing Tour with Transportation: $61
  • Darjeeling City Tour with Uber: $65
  • Gangtok Monastery Tour (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $82
  • Darjeeling Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Guide & Transports: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Darjiling $8.77

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
  • 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 Darjiling, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Darjiling much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Darjiling is in Asia, 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 Darjiling would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darjiling 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 Darjiling.

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Darjiling?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Darjiling. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Darjiling, 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.