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

Should you visit Izmir or Zadar?

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 Zadar. 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

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 Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is $95. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Zadar $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Zadar $108
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Zadar $10

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 Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276
  • Private Transfer from Biograd Na Moru to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $68
  • Private Transfer from Borik Zadar to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $37
  • Private Transfer from Starigrad Paklenica to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $107
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Šibenik: $194
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Biograd Na Moru: $68
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Borik Zadar: $37
  • Private Transfer from Zadar Airport (ZAD) to Murter: $194

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

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

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Zadar $20

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 Zadar

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

  • Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • Zadar historical guided tour: $16
  • Zadar Historical Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Old Town Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $18
  • Group History Walking Tour in Zadar Old Town: $20
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $21
  • The Ultimate Zadar Walking Tour: $22
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town: $24
  • Old Town Evening Group Guided Walking Tour: $24
  • Zadar City Tour 120min Walk: $24
  • Early Morning Walking Tour of the Old Town in Zadar: $26
  • Evening Walking Tour of the Old Town: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Zadar $12

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 Zadar

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

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Zadar?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Zadar. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Zadar. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Zadar. Also, many visitors come to Zadar in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Zadar. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Zadar because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Zadar and Izmir

Izmir Zadar
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)