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

Should you visit Tehran or Izmir?

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 Tehran and Izmir. 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: Tehran or Izmir?

Tehran

The capital of Iran, Tehran is a cosmopolitan city with great museums, art galleries, parks, restaurants, and more. It is located in the northernmost part of Central Iran at the foot of the towering Alborz mountain range. Some of the most popular attractions include the Treasury of the National Jewels, Golestan Palace, and the Tajrish Bazaar.

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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Tehran?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tehran is $78, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $105. 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 Tehran and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tehran $62
    Izmir $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tehran $124
    Izmir $120
Compare Hotels in Tehran and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Tehran 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 Tehran


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: Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tehran $0.39
    Izmir $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $296
  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $214
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $186
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $178
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $168
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $168
  • Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $160
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $154
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $148
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Tehran or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Tehran 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
    Tehran $14
    Izmir $24

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tehran $4.59
    Izmir $21

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • 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: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,075
  • Alaçatı And Çeşme Private Tour: $130
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $284
  • Aphrodisias Tour from Izmir: $126
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $273

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tehran -
    Izmir $8.87

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: $115
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152


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

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


Which is Bigger, Tehran or Izmir?

Tehran has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Izmir. When comparing the sizes of Tehran 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.