A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Izmir vs. Istanbul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir or Istanbul?

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 Istanbul. 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 Istanbul?

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.

Istanbul

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $106, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $127. 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 Istanbul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $61
    Istanbul $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $122
    Istanbul $96
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Istanbul? 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 Istanbul


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 Istanbul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Istanbul $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir Port: $23
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $25
  • Izmir Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
  • Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $41
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $42
  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Ferry
    $0.09
  • Local Bus
    $0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

  • Istanbul Airport Private Transfer to the City : $30
  • Private Airport Transfer in Istanbul: $110
  • 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $76
  • Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $33
  • Airport Transfer: $59
  • Airport transfer Istanbul: $46
  • Airport vip transfer istanbul. Hotel transfer from Istanbul airports.: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport to Istambul, Levent or Taksim by Bus: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Istanbul IST or SAW Airport to Istanbul by minivan: $69
  • Arrival Private Transfer from New Airport IST to Istanbul City in Van: $68
  • Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Business Car: $55
  • Best VIP Istanbul Luxury Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul 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 $25
    Istanbul $32

Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Juice
    $0.06
  • Turkish Delight
    $0.02
  • Dessert
    $0.27
  • Pastries
    $0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

  • Bosphorus Sunset Cruise & Dinner or Snack option: $14
  • Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $22
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $25
  • Turkish Night on the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $26
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
  • Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
  • İstanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Traditional Turkish Show: $30
  • Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner, Show and Private Table: $30
  • Turkish Meze Cooking for Beginners in Istanbul: $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Istanbul $80

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
  • PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $50
  • Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
  • "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: $71
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour: $72
  • Izmir City Tour : $72
  • Small-Group Half Day Sightseeing Tour from Izmir: $75
  • Ephesus Full-Day Tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk: $81
  • Izmir Afternoon Tour Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House: $85

Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:


  • Bosphurus Boat (for 2)
    $0.62
  • Yerebatan Cistern for Two
    $0.62
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two
    $0.31
  • Hagia Sofia entrance
    $0.94

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.43
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Istanbul Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.63
  • Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.17
  • Istanbul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Istanbul, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar Walk Tour: $9.05
  • App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $9.77
  • Self Guided Virtual Tour of Hagia Sophia The Highlights: $9.93
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.96
    Istanbul $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: $99
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $116
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $153

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

  • #1 Rated Istanbul Party Pub Crawl w Party Bus/Sultanahmet&Taksim: $28
  • Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
  • Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $33
  • Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
  • 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
  • Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
  • Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $857


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Istanbul?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Istanbul, 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 Istanbul?

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 Istanbul in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Istanbul. Furthermore, most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Izmir is a little warmer than Istanbul in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Istanbul fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 333 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Istanbul. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Istanbul 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Istanbul in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Istanbul. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Izmir is a little warmer than Istanbul. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Istanbul averages at about 16°C (61°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 Istanbul. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 169 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Istanbul. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Istanbul 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Istanbul in the Winter?

Both Istanbul and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.

In January, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Istanbul. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Istanbul fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Istanbul during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Istanbul receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Istanbul. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Istanbul 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Istanbul in the Spring?

Both Istanbul and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Izmir is a little warmer than Istanbul in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Istanbul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Istanbul. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Istanbul receives 180 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Istanbul. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Istanbul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Istanbul 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Istanbul and Izmir

Izmir Istanbul
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (47°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)