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

Should you visit Tel Aviv or Izmir?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tel Aviv 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: Tel Aviv or Izmir?

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the second largest city in Israel and is situated on the Mediterranean coast 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It's a rapidly growing city and is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in Israel. The official name is Tel Aviv-Yafo because the city has grown to include the ancient port city of Yafo. If you're looking for an embassy, you are likely to find it in Tel Aviv, despite Jerusalem being the official capital of Israel.

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 Tel Aviv?

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 Tel Aviv is $192, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $80. 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 Tel Aviv and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tel Aviv $104
    Izmir $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tel Aviv $208
    Izmir $78
Compare Hotels in Tel Aviv and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv


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: Tel Aviv Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tel Aviv $11
    Izmir $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Tel Aviv

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Tel Aviv are as follows:


  • Local Bus to Central Bus Station
    $1.90
  • Taxi to Airport
    $48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tel Aviv

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tel Aviv:

  • Herzliya to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $56
  • Jerusalem: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $249
  • Netanya: Private Airport Transfer - Great Service !: $183
  • Private Airport Transfer from/to your Herzliya Accommodation: $119
  • Private Ben Gurion Airport Transfer To/From TelAviv: $67
  • Private Departure Transfer: From Tel Aviv City Center to Ben Gurion Airport: $48
  • Private Round trip Airport Transfers - Airport to Tel Aviv Area and return: $210
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $224
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) to Haifa Cruise Port: $224
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Airport TLV to Cruise Port: $296
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv City Hotels to Ashdod Cruise Port: $150
  • Private Transfer from Tel Aviv Int Airport (TLV) to Ashdod Port: $224

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $238
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $64
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $88
  • Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $108
  • Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $108
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $80
  • Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Van Meet Transfer: $43
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer: Travel in Comfort to Fethiye: $73
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $238
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Tel Aviv or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Tel Aviv 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
    Tel Aviv $58
    Izmir $27
Typical Food Prices in Tel Aviv

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tel Aviv:


  • Dinner for Two
    $27
  • Dinner for 2 at Vatroshka
    $157
  • Lunch at Segev Sarona
    $41
  • Aroma Iced Coffee
    $4.51
  • Lunch at the airport
    $38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tel Aviv

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

  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $49
  • Tel Aviv Food Tour: The Magic of Carmel Market: $49
  • Carmel Market Food Tour: $75
  • Tel Aviv Neve Tzedek White City and Carmel Market Food Tour: $120
  • Levinsky Market Food Tour: $145
  • Food Tour of Sarona Market and Azraeli Center: $165
  • Christmas Eve Tour Jerusalem and Bethlehem Dinner from Tel Aviv: $180

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: $95
  • Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tel Aviv $27
    Izmir $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tel Aviv

Here are a few typical costs in Tel Aviv for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Masada tour from Tel Aviv
    $95
  • Etzel museum
    $4.83

Tours and Activities in Tel Aviv

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

  • Historic walking tour of Tel Aviv - Secrets of Sarona - Self-Guided Tour: $30
  • Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port, the Flea Market & More: $39
  • Jaffa Walking Tour: Old Jaffa, Jaffa Port & the Flea Market: $39
  • Tel Aviv Street Art Tour in Florentin with a Real Graffiti Artist: $40
  • Jerusalem Old City Morning Tour: $49
  • Carmel Market & Tel Aviv Tour with Tastings: $49
  • Tel Aviv Carmel Market & City Walking Tour: $49
  • Jerusalem Old City Half-Day Tour from Tel Aviv: $49
  • Jaffa Half-Day Walking Tour: $49
  • Carmel Market & Neighborhood Guided Walking Tour: $50
  • Highlights of Central Tel Aviv Walking Tour: $50
  • Jaffa Sunset Skyline Walking Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Self-Guided Podcast Tour The Ascent of Karataş: $6.80
  • Izmir Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
  • Marmaris All Inc Full Day Boat Tour Swim Sunbathe and Explore: $29
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines: $29
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
  • Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $45
  • Izmir City Tour with a Professional Guide: $45
  • Aqua Fantasy Waterpark Skip the Line Tickets: $54
  • Pamukkale Small Group Tour from Antalya: $56
  • From Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Sirince Tour: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tel Aviv $26
    Izmir $5.77

Sample the Local Flavors in Tel Aviv

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tel Aviv:

  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour with Shots: $27
  • Guided Pub Crawl Night Tour at Tel Aviv: $29
  • Tel Aviv Pub Crawl: $30
  • Pub Crawl with 4 Stops and Free Shots: $32

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tel Aviv and Izmir, we can see that Tel Aviv is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tel Aviv 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 Tel Aviv Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tel Aviv or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tel Aviv. When comparing the sizes of Tel Aviv 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.