Which place is cheaper, Marseille or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Marseille?
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 Marseille. 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 Marseille?
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.
Marseille
Marseille is the second largest city in France and is the largest Mediterranean port in the region. For visitors, Marseille offers an authentic glimpse at France. It has many colorful markets, natural beauty such as the Calanques with its large, beautiful cliffs, and the old harbor area, which offers a glimpse at the areas working class history.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Marseille $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Marseille is $158. 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 Marseille in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Marseille $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Marseille $152
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Marseille
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Marseille? 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 Marseille Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Marseille $30
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Marseille
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:
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Metro Pass$3.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille
Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- “Airport-Marseille Center Transfers: Luxury and Comfort VTC.”: $87
- Airport Marseille Transfer to Marseille Old Port: $91
- Aix en Provence-Transfer from or to Marseille Airport: $102
- Arles-Transfer From or To Airport MARSEILLE: $217
- Arrival Private Transfer Marseille Airport MRS to Marseille city or Port by Van: $101
- Arrival Transfer: MRS Airport to Marseille in Business Car: $108
- Cannes Private Transfer to Marseille Airport: $642
- Departure Private Transfer Marseille city or Port to Marseile Airport MRS by Van: $101
- Departure Private Transfer from Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port by Van: $101
- Departure Transfer: Marseille to MRS Airport in Business Car: $109
- Marseille Airport (MRS) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Marseille Hotel or Address): $214
- Marseille Airport (MRS) to (MPCT) Marseille Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Marseille?
Prices for flights to both Marseille 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 $24Marseille $45
Typical Food Prices in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orangina$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille
For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Web-cooking workshop / French cuisine or French pastry: $35
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Marseille! (Cours Julien): $63
- Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
- Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Sunset Boat Cruise with Dinner and Drinks: $86
- Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $93
- Sunset Apéro Food tour: $95
- Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $97
- Marseille Sunset Apéro Food tour: $97
- Evening Food Tour with Tastings: $102
- Sunset Sailing Dinner in the Frioul Archipelago: $102
- Marseille Miam Miam Food tour: $104
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Marseille $41
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 Marseille
For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
- Marseille:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
- Marseille Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
- Marseille Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Self-guided Like a Local Highlights Day Tour: $9.52
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Game & Sightseeing: $9.84
- Panier District Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Humorous and Informative Tour of the Historic Center of La Ciotat: $11
- Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Marseille $29
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 Marseille
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:
- Marseille Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $21
- Marseille Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $22
- Marseille Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $43
- New Year's Eve Bar Crawl Marseille France: $96
- Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
- Bandol and Cassis: Full Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Luberon: Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $143
- Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $146
- Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $146
- Côtes du Rhône Wine tour: Avignon, Palace of the Popes: $163
- Small Group Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour: $164
- Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $164
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Marseille, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Marseille?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Marseille. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Marseille, 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 Marseille?
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 Marseille in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Marseille. Additionally, most visitors come to Marseille for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marseille. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 366 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Marseille. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Marseille 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Marseille in the Autumn?
Both Marseille and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Izmir is a little warmer than Marseille in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Marseille fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Marseille. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Marseille during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Marseille. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Marseille 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Marseille in the Winter?
Both Marseille and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Marseille this time of year.
In the winter, Izmir is a little warmer than Marseille. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Marseille averages at about 7°C (44°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Marseille. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marseille receives 150 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Marseille. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Marseille 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Marseille in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Marseille. Also, many travelers come to Marseille for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Marseille. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Marseille fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille 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 Marseille during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Marseille receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Izmir usually receives around the same amount of rain as Marseille. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Marseille receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Marseille 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Marseille and Izmir
| Izmir | Marseille | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 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.