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

Should you visit Izmir or Split?

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 Split. 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

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


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is $116. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Split $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Split $156
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Split

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Split $15

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Split

Also for Split, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Split Airport (SPU) to Cruise Port of Split - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Airport Private Transfer from Split: $38
  • Airport Private Transfer to Split : $38
  • Airport Transfer from Split: $42
  • Airport Transfer to Split: $42
  • Airport transfers - round trip: $146
  • Airport transfers, Locco transfers, Port transfers: $76
  • Airport(Resnik) to or from Split transfer: $71
  • Be transferred in style! Every day Airport Transfer of Split: $86
  • Cruise Port of Private Transfer to Split hotels: $132
  • Departure Transfer Split City to Split Airport SPU by Car or Van: $50
  • From Split Airport to Sibenik (Round Trip, Private Transfer): $166

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Split $3.96

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

Tours and Activities in Split

For Split, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Emanuel Vidović Gallery Entrance Ticket: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Split Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Entry Ticket to the Cellars of Diocletian's Palace: $8.56
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Split's Old Town and Marjan Hill: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Roman Ruins Sightseeing Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Sightseeing Split's Roman Ruins: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.36
  • Split's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of Serene Seas & Stones: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Split $8.49

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 Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Split, we can see that Split 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 Split Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Split?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Split. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Split. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Split. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Split. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Split 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Split during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Split. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Split 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Izmir is around the same temperature as Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Split. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Split. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Izmir is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Split during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Split. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Split 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Split and Izmir

Izmir Split
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)