Which place is cheaper, Palermo or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Palermo?
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 Palermo. 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 Palermo?
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.
Palermo
Located on its north coast, Palermo is the capital city of Sicily. The city has a lot to offer visitors who decide to venture to this often overlooked part of Italy. There is an interesting history, some unique and delicious food, and a fascinating culture. Prices in Sicily are generally cheaper than elsewhere in Italy. There are a handful of budget accommodation options and plenty of mid range hotels that are spread throughout the city. The rooms are usually comfortable and clean but as always, read reviews before making your reservation.
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 Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Palermo $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Palermo is $99. 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 Palermo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Palermo $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Palermo $120
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Palermo
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Palermo? 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 Palermo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Palermo $6.04
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $21
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $25
- Izmir Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer - Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir Port: $26
- Private Transfer - Izmir Port to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $26
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfers: From Göcek to Dalaman Airport: $40
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
- Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Cesme: $43
- Private Transfer: Izmir Airport (ADB) to Izmir : $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:
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Bus to Monreale$3.21
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Bus From Airport$6.43
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90 Minute Bus Pass$1.39
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Short Taxi Ride$4.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:
- Airport Transfer Palermo: $59
- From Bus Transfer to/from Trapani City Center: $10
- Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa to Palermo airport, private transfer: $44
- Grand Hotel Wagner to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $44
- Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
- Palermo Airport to Palermo city or vice versa, private transfer service: $41
- Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
- Palermo airport transfer to Grand Hotel et des Palmes: $42
- 1-Way Bus Transfer to/from Misilmeri: $2.89
- 1-Way Private Transfer from the Airport: $62
- Bus Transfer to/from Airport and City Center: $6.42
- Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Palermo?
Prices for flights to both Palermo 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 $24Palermo $31
Typical Food Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)$34
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Fast Food Lunch$5.70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Palermo.
- Street Food Tour: $42
- Street Food Tour: $65
- Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
- Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
- Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
- Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
- Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
- Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
- Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
- Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
- Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
- Sicilian Cooking Class: $101
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Palermo $18
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:
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Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)$6.43
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Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)$13
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Theater Tickets (for Two)$53
Tours and Activities in Palermo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- sensorial experience of nature and ecology: $8.56
- Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour: $11
- Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket: $21
- Fast And Furious Bike Tour in Palermo: $27
- Palermo storie e segreti: tour tra arte misteri e leggende: $31
- Panoramic Trip to Mondello by CruiserCar: $32
- Palermo di sera: tour del centro storico: $32
- Walking Tour of Historic Markets and Monuments: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Palermo $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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:
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Beer$2.74
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Bottle of Quality Wine$12
Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:
- Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
- Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
- Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
- Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
- Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
- From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
- Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196
When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Palermo, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Palermo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Palermo?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Palermo, 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 Palermo?
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 Palermo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Palermo. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Palermo. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Palermo 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Palermo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Palermo. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Palermo. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Palermo 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Palermo in the Winter?
Both Palermo and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Izmir is cooler than Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Palermo. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Palermo 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Palermo in the Spring?
Both Palermo and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Palermo in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in April than Palermo. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Palermo 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Palermo and Izmir
| Izmir | Palermo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 42 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 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.