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

Should you visit Izmir or Siena?

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 Siena. 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 Siena?

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.

Siena

Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Siena 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 Siena is $142. 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 Siena in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Siena $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Siena $148
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Siena

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Siena? 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 Siena


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 Siena Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Siena $21

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 Siena

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:

  • Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
  • From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
  • Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
  • Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11
  • Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
  • Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
  • Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
  • Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
  • Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Siena?

Prices for flights to both Siena 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
    Siena $54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena

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

  • Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
  • Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
  • Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
  • Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
  • Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
  • Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
  • 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
  • Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
  • Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
  • Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Siena $4.02

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 Siena

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Palazzo Pubblico Entry Ticket: $6.42
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $6.95
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Siena Cathedral and Piccolomini Library Entry Ticket: $8.56
  • Siena Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Italian Opera in Siena Experience: $27
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Guided tour of Siena INCLUDING the Cathedral or Museum: $33
  • Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36
  • Wine Experience in an Organic Chianti Winery: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Siena $2.34

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 Siena

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:

  • Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
  • Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
  • Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
  • From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
  • Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
  • Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
  • Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
  • Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
  • Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
  • Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Siena?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Siena, 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 Siena?

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 Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Siena. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Izmir is a little warmer than Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Siena during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Siena. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Siena 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Siena. Additionally, most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Izmir is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°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 Siena. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Siena 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Siena in the Winter?

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

In January, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Siena. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Siena 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

Izmir is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Siena. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Siena 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Siena and Izmir

Izmir Siena
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 7°C (45°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)