Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo?
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.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Sarajevo $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $70. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Sarajevo $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Sarajevo
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Sarajevo $7.02
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer in Sarajevo: $27
- Airport Transfers & Private Tours with Luxury minibus Bosnia: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo Chauffeur for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport Transfers Sarajevo for Individual Clients: $27
- Airport transfer Sarajevo - Bosnia: $16
- One-way Private Airport Transfer to Sarajevo: $15
- Private Sarajevo Airport Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer From Sarajevo To Beograd : $142
- Private Transfer from Hrasnica to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $68
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Mostar Airport (OMO): $174
- Private Transfer from Konjic to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $155
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Bojnik : $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Sarajevo?
Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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 $24Sarajevo $31
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sarajevo Local Food Tour: $27
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $53
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Sarajevo $12
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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National Museum (for 2)$7.64
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Sarajevo Walking Tour In Small Group: $11
- Sarajevo Talkie-Walkie Tour: $13
- Grand Walking Tour: $16
- Sarajevo Grand Walking Tour: $16
- HISTORY OF ISLAM IN SARAJEVO TOUR: $16
- SARAJEVO CITY TOUR - Learn something in an interesting way.: $17
- Discover Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Guide: $17
- Sarajevo genuine walking tour: Steps through history: $19
- Sarajevo Old Town: Bosnian Ethnic Food & Coffee Walking Tour: $19
- Tunnel of Hope Siege Tour: $20
- Uncovering Islam Tour: $20
- Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Sarajevo $7.34
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 Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Sarajevo, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir than you might in Sarajevo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Sarajevo?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sarajevo. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Sarajevo. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.
In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Sarajevo. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Sarajevo in the Autumn?
Both Sarajevo and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Sarajevo in the Winter?
Both Sarajevo and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Izmir is much warmer than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets less rain in January than Sarajevo. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Sarajevo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Sarajevo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.
Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Izmir
| Izmir | Sarajevo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 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.