Which place is cheaper, Varanasi or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Izmir or Varanasi?
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 Varanasi. 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 Varanasi?
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.
Varanasi
Known to be one of India's holiest cities, many come to Varanasi on a spiritual pilgrimage looking to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges River. Dating back to the 11th Century BC, it is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Centuries old temples make up the backdrop, as many come and come again to perform their holy rights at the edge of the historic river.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Bicycle Tours in India, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in India.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesVaranasi Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $82Varanasi $31
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $82, while the average daily cost in Varanasi is $31. 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 Varanasi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $41Varanasi $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $82Varanasi $28
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Varanasi
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Varanasi? 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 Varanasi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $20Varanasi $4.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $51
- Vip Airport Transfer: $71
- VIP Mercedes Vito Transfers in Izmir or Intercity: $56
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $82
- Transfer from Izmir to Selimiye: $237
- Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $89
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
- Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $65
- Private Transfer from Izmir Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
- Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $58
- Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Varanasi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Varanasi:
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Tuk Tuk Through Town$0.84
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Rickshaw Ride$0.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varanasi
Also for Varanasi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Agra: Budget One Way Transfer Agra to Varanasi: $160
- From Agra: One-Way Private Transfer to Varanasi: $166
- Private Car Airport Transfer from Hotel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram: $55
- Private Departure Transfer from Varanasi Hotel to Airport: $28
- Private Transfer Varanasi to Bodhgaya - One Way: $98
- Private Transfer from Varanasi to Lal Bahadur Shastri (VNS) Airport: $45
- Private transfer from Varanasi to Allahabad: $67
- Spiritual Varanasi - A Most Amazing Heritage Walk with Private Transfer: $99
- Varanasi - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $32
- Varanasi hotel to Bodhgaya hotel private transfer: $135
- Sarnath Tour with Guide & Car Including Hotel transfers: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Varanasi?
Prices for flights to both Varanasi 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 $28Varanasi $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $95
- Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $115
- Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $296
Typical Food Prices in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner In Town$3.60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class with Sona: $29
- Private Food Tour with Ganga Aarti Ceremony: $42
- Dashashwamedh Ganga Arati from balcony with Street Food Tour: $50
- Varanasi Bliss: Private Food Tour, Boat Ride & Ganga Aarti: $62
- Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi - Fully Guided Tour - Rooftop Dinner on Ganges: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $14Varanasi $9.17
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Izmir to Ephesus: Private Highlights Tour with Fast-Track Entry": $184
- 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $296
- Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
- Alacati and Cesme Private Tour from Izmir: $160
- BEST SELLER Small Group Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $117
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
- Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
- Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
- Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170
- Customized Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $148
- Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $160
- Dalyan Boat Tour with Mud Bath & Iztuzu Beach from Sarigerme: $64
Typical Entertainment Prices in Varanasi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Varanasi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Boat Ride$0.73
Tours and Activities in Varanasi
For Varanasi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express Train: $2.82
- From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise, Baby Taj & Agra Fort Day Tour: $3.95
- Agra: Taj Mahal Tour with Professional photographer & Guide: $5.64
- Cultural & Spiritual Trails of Old Town Varanasi Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Spiritual and Heritage Walking Tour in Varanasi: $11
- Cycle of Life, Death & Rebirth (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $12
- Sunrise in Banaras with Ganga Aarti (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
- Varanasi Pedal Rickshaw Tours: $13
- Varanasi Landmark Evening City Tour - Aarti, Boating & Witnessing the GOD: $14
- Varanasi Tuk Tuk Tour: $16
- Mysticism of Varanasi Tour with a local including free Guided Boat Ride: $17
- Sunrise in Varanasi Tour with a local with free Ganga Aarti and Boat Ride: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $5.97Varanasi $6.86
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $124
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $278
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Varanasi, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Varanasi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Varanasi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Varanasi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varanasi 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 Varanasi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Varanasi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Varanasi?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Varanasi. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Varanasi, 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.
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.