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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Izmir?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Izmir, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Izmir?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $163, while the average daily cost in Izmir 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 Jerusalem and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $80
    Izmir $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $160
    Izmir $82
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem or Izmir? 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 Jerusalem


Hotels in Izmir


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.39
    Izmir $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.95
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Amman: $195
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer to Amman with VIP Service: $175
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $88
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $95
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $186
  • Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $145
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $29
  • Izmir Airport Private Transfer to City Center Hotels: $41
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $42
  • Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Van Meet Transfer: $45
  • Izmir (ADB) Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Kusadasi: $45
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
  • Izmir Airport Transfer Meet Transfer: $50
  • İzmir Airport Transfer to Bodrum, Didim, Kusadasi, Cesme, Fethiye: $51
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $53
  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Kusadasi: $57
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $68
    Izmir $28
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $3.35
  • Watermelon
    $5.02
  • Lunch
    $15
  • Food at Market
    $19
  • Juice
    $3.35
  • Bagels
    $10
  • Lunch for 2
    $18
  • Snacks
    $7.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $85
  • Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
  • Christmas Eve Jerusalem and Bethlehem with Dinner from Jerusalem: $180
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $251

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: $115
  • Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $295

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $11
    Izmir $14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $42

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
  • Tram Tour of The Old City of Jerusalem: $30
  • Old City Morning Tour: $39
  • Jerusalem Old City Half-Day Tour: $39
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39
  • Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
  • Guided Shabbat Experience in Jerusalem: $47

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Izmir Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines: $29
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
  • Marmaris All Inc Full Day Boat Tour Swim Sunbathe and Explore: $33
  • Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $45
  • Marmaris Turtle Beach Dalyan River Cruise and Mud Bath Adventure: $47
  • Pamukkale Small Group Tour from Antalya: $56
  • Aqua Fantasy Waterpark Skip the Line Tickets: $57
  • From Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Sirince Tour: $60
  • Dalyan Boat Tour with Mud Bath & Iztuzu Beach from Sarigerme: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $20
    Izmir $5.97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $6.03

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 Jerusalem and Izmir, we can see that Jerusalem is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jerusalem is in Middle East and Izmir is in Europe, 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 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 Jerusalem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Izmir?

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

Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jerusalem experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Jerusalem or Izmir in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Izmir. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Izmir in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Jerusalem is cooler than Izmir in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during summer. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Jerusalem usually receives more rain than Izmir. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Izmir 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Izmir in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Izmir. Jerusalem attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Izmir averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jerusalem this time of the year. In the autumn, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in October than Izmir. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Izmir 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Izmir in the Winter?

Both Izmir and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Izmir because of the cuisine.

In January, Jerusalem is generally cooler than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Izmir during winter. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. In January, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Izmir. Jerusalem gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Izmir in the Spring?

Both Izmir and Jerusalem during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.

Jerusalem is around the same temperature as Izmir in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the spring, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem usually gets less rain in April than Izmir. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)