Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Pompeii?
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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii?
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.
Pompeii
Pompeii was once a 160-acre Roman port city, called home by more than 20,000 residents. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and after burying the entire city 16 feet deep in ash, the debris destroyed everything in its path, killing thousands of people and affecting more than 200 square miles around the area.
However, the phenomenon is that the ash preserved everything as it was in that time and to this day, you can visit and observe life as it was nearly two thousand years ago, as figures of people running from the explosion have been burned permanently into history.
The best time to visit Pompeii is during spring, after the rains of March and before the scorching heat of June and July. On the downside, this is the beginning of the busy season for tourists, so while you'll enjoy pleasant weather, you won't be likely to avoid crowds. Conversely, November starts the low-season for travel, so you can easily skip the crowds, though you may have to compromise on weather, as the rains return this time of year. Rain and crowds won't be an issue if you visit during winter, but be warned, temperatures drop down to the 50's during the day, accompanied by winds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Pompeii $161
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Pompeii is $161. 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 Pompeii in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Pompeii $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Pompeii $150
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Pompeii
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Pompeii $57
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 Pompeii
Also for Pompeii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
- Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
- Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
- Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
- Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
- Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
- Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66
- Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
- Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Pompeii?
Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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 $24Pompeii $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii
For Pompeii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
- Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
- Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
- Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
- Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
- Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
- guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
- Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Pompeii $82
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 Pompeii
For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- The Rise, Fall, and Rediscovery of A Self-Guided Tour: $20
- Pompeii Express 1 hour Guided Tour: $21
- Pompeii Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $31
- PompeiI VIP: Guided Tour with your Archaeologist in a Small Group : $32
- Entrance ticket to the Valle dell'Orso Water Park: $33
- Pompeii for kids or adults skip the line small group walking tour 2 hours: $33
- Pompeii Skip the Line ticket + Audioguide: $35
- Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
- Pompeii tour with archaeologist: $38
- Pompeii Tour with experienced guide: $38
- guided tour of the archaeological excavations of Pompeii: $38
- Semi-Private Tour of Pompeii Ruins: $41
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Pompeii $7.84
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 Pompeii
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pompeii:
- Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
- Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
- Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
- Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
- Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
- Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Izmir or Pompeii?
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 Pompeii in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Pompeii. Additionally, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Pompeii 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Pompeii in the Autumn?
Both Pompeii and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Izmir is a little warmer than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Pompeii 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Pompeii in the Winter?
Both Pompeii and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.
In the winter, Izmir is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.
Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Pompeii. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Pompeii 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Pompeii in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Pompeii.
In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Pompeii 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Pompeii and Izmir
| Izmir | Pompeii | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.