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

Should you visit Izmir or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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 Kiel?

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.

Kiel

Kiel is a port city on Germany's Baltic Sea coast. Much of the city center it was obliterated during WWII by bombing raids on its U-boat pens. In the old town, the rebuilt, medieval St. Nikolai Church hosts classical concerts and Holstenstrasse and Danische Strasse are streets lined with shops. The city also has several indoor malls linked by pedestrian bridges. Along the Kiel Fjord, the Maritime Museum displays model ships and nautical instruments in a former fish auction hall. Nearby, cruise ships dock at the Ostseekai Terminal in Germania Harbor. This grand harbor in Kiel continues on as it has for centuries and should be the focus of your visit. Huge ferries transport millions of passengers to and from Scandinavia, while summer sees locals strolling the long waterfront promenade.

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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Kiel 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 Kiel is $148. 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 Kiel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Kiel $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Kiel $144
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Kiel

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Kiel? 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 Kiel


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 Kiel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Kiel $58

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 Kiel

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kiel:

  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM) - Departure Private Transfer: $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $118
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $235
  • Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Hamburg: $645
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Cruise Port to Hamburg city: $79
  • Private Transfer from Ostseekai Kiel Port to Hamburg Airport: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Kiel?

Prices for flights to both Kiel 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
    Kiel $41

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

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 Kiel

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

  • Lübeck Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Laboe Naval Memorial: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Kiel's Historical Port: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Kiel Self-Guided Audio Tour: Explore this Historic Port: $12
  • SEA LIFE Timmendorfer Strand Admission Ticket: $16
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • City Sightseeing Kiel Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • Lübeck stories - an exciting scavenger hunt tour: $34
  • Kiel Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Walking Tour of Kiel: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Kiel $13

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


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Kiel?

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

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Izmir is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Kiel. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Kiel 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Izmir is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Kiel 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Kiel. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Izmir is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 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 Kiel. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Kiel 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Kiel. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Izmir is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°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 Kiel. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Kiel 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Kiel and Izmir

Izmir Kiel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 0°C (33°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 3°C (38°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 2°C (35°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)