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

Should you visit Izmir or Rome?

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 Rome. 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 Rome?

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.

Rome

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Rome 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 Rome is $184. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Rome $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Rome $192
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Rome? 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 Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Rome $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
  • From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $2.17
  • Train to the Airport
    $16
  • Taxi to Airport
    $49
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Fiumicino Airport Rome (FCO) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $207
  • Rome Private Transfer To Civitavecchia Sea port: $96
  • Rome hotels to Venice Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $293
  • Transfer from Civitavecchia port to Fco Rome airport or Rome : $249
  • Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $164
  • Airport Transfer to Rome City Hotels - Private Car Service: $65
  • Airport transfer: $120
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome City in Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Car: $152
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome City in Luxury Van: $125
  • Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome $51

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $15
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    $3.24
  • Cafe e doce
    $4.33
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    $2.87
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    $34
  • Cheese and bread
    $11
  • Espresso
    $2.17
  • Dinner
    $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
  • Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
  • Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Leonardo Da Vini, Wine and Pizza Painting Class: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Rome $39

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 Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    $75
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    $36
  • Roma Pass
    $32
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    $22
  • Segway Tour
    $81

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.26
  • Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $3.27
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.31
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.33
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $5.44
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
  • St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Rome $20

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 Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.04
  • Pint of Beer
    $6.87
  • Beer
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
  • Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
  • Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
  • Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Rome during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Rome. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

Izmir is a little warmer than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Rome. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Rome. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Izmir is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Rome. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Rome. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Rome. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Izmir

Izmir Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)