Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Thessaloniki?
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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki?
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.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Thessaloniki $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Thessaloniki is $144. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Thessaloniki $85
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Thessaloniki $170
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Thessaloniki
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Thessaloniki $14
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 Thessaloniki
Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
- One Way Private Transfer SKG Airport to / from Thessaloniki City Center: $24
- Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Thessaloniki Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki hotels to Thessaloniki Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
- Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
- Private transfer to IKOS OLIVIA: $87
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Thessaloniki - Arrival Transfer: $21
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Thessaloniki?
Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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 $24Thessaloniki $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
- Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
- Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
- Guided Food Tour: $70
- Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
- Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
- Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
- Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
- Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
- Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Thessaloniki $28
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 Thessaloniki
For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
- Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
- White Tower Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.54
- Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour & Narrative: $11
- Selfie Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket: $12
- Thessaloniki Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Byzantine Museum E-Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
- E-ticket to Museum of Byzantine Culture with Audio Tour : $13
- Thessaloniki Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Thessaloniki $16
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 Thessaloniki
Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
- From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
- Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
- Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
- Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
- Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Thessaloniki, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Thessaloniki?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?
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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Thessaloniki. Additionally, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?
Both Thessaloniki and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Izmir usually receives around the same amount of rain as Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Thessaloniki in the Winter?
Both Thessaloniki and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Izmir is much warmer than Thessaloniki in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Thessaloniki in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Thessaloniki. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 13°C (56°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Izmir
| Izmir | Thessaloniki | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 53 mm (2.1 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.