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

Should you visit Izmir or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb

Zagreb, in central Croatia, is the country's capital. It has a wonderful old town that has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a great atmosphere. Many people travel to Croatia specifically for its beaches and coastal towns, but if you overlook this lovely capital city, you'll miss a large part of the culture and personality that is Croatia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Zagreb 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 Zagreb is $82. 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 Zagreb in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Zagreb $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Zagreb $102
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Zagreb

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Zagreb? 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 Zagreb


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 Zagreb Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Zagreb $9.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
  • From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zagreb

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zagreb:

  • Airport Zagreb Transfer and Shuttle : $98
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Zagreb Airport ZAG to Zagreb City by Business Car: $47
  • Departure Private Transfer from Zagreb City to Zagreb Airport ZAG by Minivan: $66
  • Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG) to Zagreb-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $33
  • From Sarajevo: One-Way Transfer to Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes: $428
  • From Split: Transfer to Zagreb with Stop at Plitvice Lakes: $149
  • From Plitvice Lakes Round-Trip Comfort Bus Transfer: $16
  • From Transfer to Split & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $159
  • Guided transfer from Zagreb to Split with Plitvice Lakes stop: $152
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb - Zagreb Airport: $40
  • Luxury Private Transfer Zagreb Airport to Hotels and Vice Versa: $87
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Zagreb Airport: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Zagreb?

Prices for flights to both Zagreb 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
    Zagreb $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zagreb

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

  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $74
  • Taste Zagreb Food Tour: $75
  • Private Authentic Croatian Cooking Class in Central Zagreb: $114
  • Private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb: $144
  • PRIVATE Half-Day Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Zagreb With Locals: $196
  • Wine & Food tour of Plešivica near Zagreb: $952

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Zagreb $13

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 Zagreb

Here are a few actual costs in Zagreb for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Nikola Tesla Technical Museum Ticket: $4.28
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Skip-the-Ticket-Line Museum of Broken Relationships: $7.49
  • Zagreb Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Museum of Illusions Entrance Ticket: $9.62
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Zagreb's Old Town: Walking In-App Audio Tour(ENG): $11
  • Small-Group Walking Highlights Tour: $16
  • City Walking Tour w/ Funicular Ride and WW2 Tunnels: $19
  • City Walking Tour with Funicular Ride & WW2 Tunnels: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Zagreb $9.49

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 Zagreb

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

  • Zagreb Pub Crawl: $16
  • Zagreb:Private Bar Crawling and Alcohol Testing with a Guide: $32
  • Zagreb Wine Tasting & Jarun Lake Tour: $75
  • Plesivica countryside Wine Tasting: $199
  • Fairytale castle & delicious wine tasting and lunch: $202
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour from Zagreb: $208


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Zagreb, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Zagreb Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Zagreb?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Zagreb. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Zagreb. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Zagreb 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Zagreb in the Autumn?

Both Zagreb and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Zagreb. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Zagreb. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. Izmir is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Zagreb 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Zagreb in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Zagreb. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Zagreb 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Izmir

Izmir Zagreb
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)