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

Should you visit Izmir or Luxor?

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 Luxor. 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 Luxor?

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.

Luxor

Egypt is surely on the top of every history lover's bucket list. Nowhere is the history more engrossing than in Luxor. From amazing monuments dating back to ancient Thebes to rows of temples up the Nile, this remarkable city is full the stories of past greatness.

The East Bank – or the central part of Luxor Township – is the hotbed for tourism. This is where most of the hotels and resorts are, while the West Bank is home to the ancient ruins and archaeological wonders you'll want to explore.

Before traveling to Egypt, be sure to check on the current affairs and political climate. It could have a major effect on the amount of tourists visiting, and, if conditions are too dangerous, you may want to reschedule. Also note, ladies, to avoid any issues, dress modestly. This is a very conservative region of the world. The less skin showing, the better.

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


Which place is cheaper, Luxor 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 $84, while the average daily cost in Luxor is $32. 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 Luxor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $42
    Luxor $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $84
    Luxor $22
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Luxor

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Luxor? 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 Luxor


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 Luxor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Luxor $5.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $245
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $66
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $90
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Edremit Hotels: $111
  • Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $111
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
  • Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Van Meet Transfer: $44
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $111
  • Dalaman Airport - Marmaris - Fethiye Meet Transfer: $48
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer: Travel in Comfort to Fethiye: $75
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Luxor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Luxor:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Luxor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Luxor:

  • 4 Hours Private Transfer in Luxor: $114
  • Airport private transfer Luxor airport: $21
  • Cairo Airport Private Transfer: $31
  • Day Tour from Airport to Luxor Monuments Include Lunch Transfers Entry Guide: $150
  • Day Tour to East and West Bank with Transfer to Aswan or Hurghada: $105
  • Deluxe Private Hurghada Airport Transfer: $15
  • Dendara & Abydos with return - Private transfer from Luxor: $50
  • Departure Transfer From Hotel To Luxor Airport: $13
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Airport: $13
  • Departure Transfer from Luxor Hotels to Luxor airport: $8.00
  • Edfu Temple Private Tour from Luxor – Transfer & Guide/Ticket: $170
  • Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour with Aswan Transfer from Luxor: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Luxor?

Prices for flights to both Luxor 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 $29
    Luxor $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Luxor

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

  • Luxury Nile Sunset Felucca Sail | Private Dinner - Hotel Transfer: $15
  • Tourist market,local food tour,the gym and coffee in Luxor: $19
  • Sunset Felucca on the Nile in Luxor with Optional Lunch or Dinner: $20
  • Luxor West Bank By Night and Alabaster Museum Tour with Dinner: $30
  • Riding a felucca at Sunset and Dinner an Egyptian House in Luxor: $40
  • 3 Hours Culinary Journey with Family Food Tour in Luxor: $40
  • Nile River Lunch or Dinner Cruise in Luxor (private Tour): $44
  • Luxor City Private Walking and Food Tour: $50
  • Open-Air Farm Luxor Lunch or Dinner Experience in a Green: $60
  • Felucca at Sunset and Dinner at an Egyptian House in Luxor: $60
  • Private Luxor Temple Night Tour with Romantic Nile-View Dinner: $60
  • Private Romantic Dinner with Fallucca Sail boat on the Nile Luxor: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $14
    Luxor $9.95

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
  • Marmaris Turtle Beach Dalyan River Cruise and Mud Bath Adventure: $47
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Ephesus Tour: $64
  • Marmaris Pirate Themed Family Boat Cruise with Lunch: $64
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels: $75
  • Pamukkale Tour from Izmir to Hierapolis and Travertines: $76
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $79
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
  • Izmir City Tour: $84

Typical Entertainment Prices in Luxor

Here are a few typical costs in Luxor for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Ride (for 2)
    $0.54
  • Temple Karnak for Two
    $2.62
  • Camel Ride for Two
    $1.21

Tours and Activities in Luxor

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

  • Full Day Tour to Valley of the kings and West Banks of Luxor: $5.00
  • Private Tour Shopping in Luxor City: $6.00
  • Private Tour: Medinet Habu,Valley of the Queens & Deir el-Medina: $6.79
  • Historic Corniche Walking Experience with Refreshment: $8.00
  • Luxor Day Tour: Explore Valley of Kings,Queens, Hatshepsut Temple: $8.00
  • Luxor Half Day tour: valley of the kings and Hatshepsut & Memnon: $8.00
  • Luxor Half Day Tour : Karnak & Luxor Temples: $8.00
  • Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple Private Day Tour: $8.10
  • Private Half Day Luxor Tour Valley of Kings & Queens, Hatshepsut: $8.39
  • Private Tour: Valley of the Kings & Hatchepsut Temple &Tut's Tomb: $9.00
  • Private Guided Tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples: $9.00
  • VIP Private Nile Motorboat Experience in Luxor: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.11
    Luxor $2.98

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $274


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

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Luxor?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Luxor. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Luxor, 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 Luxor?

Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Luxor experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Izmir or Luxor in the Summer?

Both Luxor and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Luxor because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Luxor can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Izmir is cooler than Luxor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Luxor averages at about 33°C (91°F).

In July, Izmir usually receives more rain than Luxor. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Luxor 33°C (91°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Luxor in the Autumn?

Both Luxor and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Luxor year-round.

In October, Izmir is generally cooler than Luxor. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Luxor fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Izmir usually gets more rain in October than Luxor. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Luxor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Luxor. Many visitors come to Izmir in the winter for the cuisine. Luxor attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Izmir is much colder than Luxor in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Luxor fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Luxor. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Luxor 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Luxor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Luxor. Most visitors come to Izmir for the activities around the city during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Luxor throughout the year.

In the spring, Izmir is much colder than Luxor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Luxor averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Luxor. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Luxor receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Luxor 25°C (77°F)

Typical Weather for Luxor and Izmir

Izmir Luxor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 15°C (59°F) 0 mm (0 in)