Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian?
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.
San Sebastian
San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105San Sebastian $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is $96. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60San Sebastian $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120San Sebastian $86
Compare Hotels in Izmir and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30San Sebastian $15
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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 $24San Sebastian $33
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2$59
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Lunch for 2$11
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Lunch for 2$34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Sebastian.
- San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
- Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
- Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
- Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
- I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
- Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
- Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
- Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
- Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
- History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21San Sebastian $36
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 San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Valle de los Caídos Monument$6.43
Tours and Activities in San Sebastian
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:
- San Sebastian Walking Tour With Pintxo And Drink: $16
- Guided tour of San Sebastián: $19
- Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $43
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Private Walking Tour in San Sebastian with Pintxo and Drink: $54
- San Sebastián City Bike tour : $54
- Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
- Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86San Sebastian $21
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 San Sebastian
Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
- Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
- Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
- Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298
When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or San Sebastian?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?
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 San Sebastian in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and San Sebastian. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Izmir or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.
In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Izmir or San Sebastian in the Winter?
Both San Sebastian and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
Izmir is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Izmir or San Sebastian in the Spring?
Both San Sebastian and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Izmir
| Izmir | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.