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

Should you visit Izmir or Kerala?

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 Kerala. 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 Kerala?

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.

Kerala

Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.

This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.

Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.

The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.

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 India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Kerala or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $80, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $29. 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 Kerala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $39
    Kerala $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $78
    Kerala $22
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Kerala

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Kerala? 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 Kerala


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $19
    Kerala $4.38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $238
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $64
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $88
  • Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $108
  • Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $108
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $80
  • Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Van Meet Transfer: $43
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer: Travel in Comfort to Fethiye: $73
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $238
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:

  • Affordable Trivandrum Airport Transfer: $15
  • Affordable transfer from Kochi to Munnar: $40
  • Airport Transfer: Cochin Port Cruise Terminal to Cochin International Airport: $35
  • Cochin - private arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $25
  • Cochin Airport One Way Transfer(Private): $14
  • Cochin to Vagamon Transfer: $80
  • Kochi: Kathakali, Theyyam & Kalaripayattu Show with Transfers: $11
  • Kochi: Private Transfers To Wayanad, Munnar, Alleppey & More: $41
  • Private 4-Day Tour in Kerala with Houseboat and Airport Transfers: $181
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Trivandrum Airport to City Hotels: $30
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Cherai: Hassle-Free Travel: $48
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Kerala?

Prices for flights to both Kerala 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 $27
    Kerala $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $95
  • Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $115

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala

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

  • Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
  • Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $20
  • WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $25
  • Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
  • Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $38
  • Fisherman Village Tour in Marari Cooking, Crafts and Culture: $40
  • Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
  • Evening Tour of Kochi with Kathakali and Dinner: $55
  • Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
  • Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75
  • Kerala Cooking Class with Charming Freeda in her Kochi Home: $79
  • Kochi Over View: Kathakali, Dinner, Pick & Drop Included Tour: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $13
    Kerala $8.58

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Self-Guided Podcast Tour The Ascent of Karataş: $6.80
  • Izmir Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
  • Marmaris All Inc Full Day Boat Tour Swim Sunbathe and Explore: $29
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines: $29
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
  • Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $45
  • Izmir City Tour with a Professional Guide: $45
  • Aqua Fantasy Waterpark Skip the Line Tickets: $54
  • Pamukkale Small Group Tour from Antalya: $56
  • From Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Sirince Tour: $60

Tours and Activities in Kerala

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

  • Tuk-Tuk Shopping Tour in Kochi – Spices,Crafts,Silks & Souvenirs: $6.00
  • Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour With Pickup From Cruise Ships: $7.17
  • Local Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $8.00
  • Fort Kochi Tuk-Tuk Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $8.50
  • Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $8.69
  • Cruise Pickup Tuk Tuk Heritage Tour in Fort Kochi: $8.69
  • Fort Kochi Local Sightseeing Tour: $9.00
  • Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup From Cruise Ships: $9.00
  • Half-Day Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Fort Kochi: $9.32
  • Shikara Boat Tour Alleppey Backwater Fantastic Boat Cruise: $9.50
  • Fort Kochi Sightseeing Tuk-Tuk Tour: $9.77
  • Authentic Tuk Tuk Heritage Tour of Kochi with Local Guide: $9.77

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $5.77
    Kerala $4.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Kerala, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Kerala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Kerala 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 Kerala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kerala 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 Kerala.

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


Which has a larger population, Izmir or Kerala?

Kerala has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Kerala, 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.