Which place is cheaper, Marbella or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Marbella?
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 Marbella. 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 Marbella?
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.
Marbella
Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.
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 Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Marbella $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Marbella is $125. 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 Marbella in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Marbella $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Marbella $132
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Marbella
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Marbella? 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.
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 Marbella Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Marbella $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
- Vip Airport Transfer: $98
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
- Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
- Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella
Also for Marbella, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Costa del Sol: Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Malaga Airport: $75
- From Malaga: Private Transfer Malaga Airport to Marbella: $235
- Private Transfer from Algarrobo to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $109
- Private Transfer from Alhaurín El Grande to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $68
- Private Transfer from Alozaina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from Atalaya Park to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $127
- Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $214
- Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $138
- Private Transfer from Coín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $80
- Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $135
- Private Transfer from Estepona to Malaga (AGP) airport: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Marbella?
Prices for flights to both Marbella 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
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Food Meals for one dayIzmir $24Marbella $41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella
For Marbella, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Food Tour: $87
- The Mediterranean Diet & Lifestyle Cooking Class.: $180
- Gourmet Cooking Class & Culture in the rural Montes de Malaga.: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Marbella $21
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
Tours and Activities in Marbella
For Marbella, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Discover the Old Town through a Self-Guided Tour: $4.60
- Marbella Old Town Walking Tour : $15
- Sightseeing Walking Tour: $21
- Guided tour and olive oil tasting in Alhaurin el Grande (Málaga) : $22
- Marbella Old Town: Group Tour with a True Local: $24
- Marbella Old Town group tour with a True Local: $24
- group walking Tour: $26
- Explore Marbella Old Town: Tapas Tasting Adventure: $27
- Marbella like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $32
- Bike City Tour Marbella: $32
- Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $38
- Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Marbella $6.12
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 Marbella
Also in Marbella, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $152
- From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $159
- Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $195
- From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $213
- From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $234
- Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $262
- VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $272
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Marbella, we can see that Marbella 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 Marbella would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marbella 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 Marbella Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Marbella?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Marbella, 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 Marbella?
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 Marbella in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Marbella. Also, most visitors come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Marbella. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Marbella averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Marbella. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Marbella. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Marbella 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Marbella in the Autumn?
Both Marbella and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Marbella. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Marbella during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Marbella. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Marbella 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Marbella in the Winter?
Both Marbella and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.
Izmir is cooler than Marbella in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Marbella. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Marbella. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Marbella 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Marbella in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Marbella. Furthermore, many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Izmir is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Marbella averages at about 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Marbella. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Marbella 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Marbella and Izmir
| Izmir | Marbella | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.