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

Should you visit Izmir or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is $101. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Rijeka $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Rijeka $108
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Rijeka? 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 Rijeka


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 Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Rijeka $17

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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 $24
    Rijeka $36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Rijeka $9.48

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

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Rijeka $17

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


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Rijeka?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Rijeka. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Rijeka. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Izmir is a little warmer than Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Izmir is much warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Izmir

Izmir Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)