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

Should you visit Izmir or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik. 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 Dubrovnik?

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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik is $103. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Dubrovnik $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Dubrovnik $106
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Dubrovnik

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik


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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Dubrovnik $13

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: $294
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Airport Private Transfer Dubrovnik: $27
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik Town to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $251
  • Airport Transfer Dubrovnik to Herceg Novi / Portonovi: $262
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik City by Minivan: $59
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Dubrovnik Airport DBV to Dubrovnik in Luxury Van: $54
  • Budva to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $203
  • Bus transfer between Dubrovnik and Herceg Novi: $22
  • Departure Private Transfer from Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Minivan: $55
  • Departure Private Transfer: Dubrovnik City to Dubrovnik Airport by Business Car: $36
  • Direct And Private Transfer From Dubrovnik To Split: $71
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) to Dubrovnik Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Dubrovnik?

Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $35

Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Dubrovnik $20

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $48

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Selfguided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.35
  • Self-guided tour of the old town of Dubrovnik: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Dubrovnik Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Medieval Adventure City Game: $6.94
  • Time Travel Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Dubrovnik: $7.09
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Audio Tour (ENG): $7.70
  • Old Town Highlights Tour with Audio Guide: $8.56
  • Private Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour in Dubrovnik Old Town: $8.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Dubrovnik $15

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 Dubrovnik

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Dubrovnik, we can see that Izmir 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 Dubrovnik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Dubrovnik?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Dubrovnik. Also, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Dubrovnik. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Izmir is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dubrovnik. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Izmir

Izmir Dubrovnik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in)