A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Pamukkale vs. Izmir for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Izmir?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Izmir can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Izmir?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Pamukkale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $158, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $106. 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 Pamukkale and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Izmir $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Izmir $122
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $36
    Izmir $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $86
  • Antalya: Private Airport Transfer to/from Pamukkale/Denizli: $155
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $105
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $83
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $138
  • From Istanbul: Pamukkale Day Trip with Flights and Transfers: $698
  • Laodicea-Kaklik Cave-Salda Lake Private Full Day Transfer : $195
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $110
  • Pamukkale to Antalya Centre Hotels Transfer: $165
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $297
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $297
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $215
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $198
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $187
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $169
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $154
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $149
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Kusadasi International Golf Hotels: $133
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $70
    Izmir $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $55
    Izmir $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.03

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $20
  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $30
  • From Antalya; Daily Pamukkale Tour with hot air Balloon: $37
  • Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $49
  • Tandem Paragliding Experience: $49
  • Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
  • Antalya to Pamukkale Hierapolis Daily Tour with Lunch: $60
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Tour : $65
  • Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $68

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Ephesus Small Group Tour From Izmir: $143
  • From izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary tours : $285
  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $132
  • 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: $250
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,085
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $285
  • Aphrodisias Tour from Izmir: $127
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Izmir $8.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $99
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $116
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $153


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Izmir, we can see that Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Izmir?

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 Pamukkale or Izmir in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Izmir.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets more rain in July than Izmir. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Izmir 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Izmir in the Autumn?

Both Izmir and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

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

It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Izmir. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Pamukkale or Izmir in the Winter?

Both Izmir and Pamukkale during the winter are popular places to visit.

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

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun.

Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually gets less rain in January than Izmir. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Izmir in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Izmir.

In the spring, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Izmir averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Izmir. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)