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

Should you visit Tiberias or Izmir?

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

Should I visit Tiberias or Izmir? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tiberias or Izmir?

Tiberias

Tiberias is a major tourist destination in Israel. It's positioned on the western side of the Sea of Galilee and is a popular spot for Israeli and international tourists alike. The town itself offers great views of the beautiful blue waters and the surrounding green hills. Tiberias is also considered to be one of the Jewish Four Holy Cities. Many people also use Tiberias as a jumping off point to explore the Golan Heights area.

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


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Tiberias?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tiberias is $87, 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 Tiberias and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tiberias $55
    Izmir $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tiberias $110
    Izmir $120
Compare Hotels in Tiberias and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Tiberias 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 Tiberias


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: Tiberias Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tiberias $4.55
    Izmir $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $230
  • 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
  • Cesme-Alacati Transfer: $66
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $241
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $97
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Tiberias or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Tiberias 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
    Tiberias $28
    Izmir $24
Typical Food Prices in Tiberias

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


  • Lunch for Two
    $5.30
  • Pastry
    $1.86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tiberias $10
    Izmir $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tiberias

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


  • Two Bikes for Day
    $32

Tours and Activities in Tiberias

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

  • Haifa Shore Excursion: Nazareth and the Galilee - for cruise ship guests only: $115
  • Shabbat Experience in Tzfat with Wine Pairing: $160
  • Safed Wine & Cheese Tour: $250
  • Culinary Day Tour of the Galilee: $287

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
  • Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
  • Ephesus Tour: $56
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
  • Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $70
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour: $71
  • Izmir City Tour : $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tiberias $17
    Izmir $8.86

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
  • 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 Tiberias and Izmir, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Tiberias much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tiberias 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 Tiberias would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tiberias 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 Tiberias.

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


Which is Bigger, Tiberias or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Tiberias. When comparing the sizes of Tiberias 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 Tiberias or Izmir?

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

Should I visit Tiberias or Izmir in the Summer?

Both Izmir and Tiberias are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tiberias throughout the year.

Tiberias is around the same temperature as Izmir in the summer. The daily temperature in Tiberias averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tiberias. Tiberias usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during summer. Tiberias gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tiberias usually receives less rain than Izmir. Tiberias gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Tiberias or Izmir in the Autumn?

Both Izmir and Tiberias during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tiberias because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Tiberias is a little warmer than Izmir. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tiberias in October average around 24°C (75°F), and Izmir averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tiberias. In the autumn, Tiberias often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Tiberias gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.

Tiberias usually gets less rain in October than Izmir. Tiberias gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tiberias 24°C (75°F) 
    Izmir 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Tiberias or Izmir in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tiberias and Izmir. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tiberias year-round.

In January, Tiberias is generally much warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Tiberias average around 14°C (57°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

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

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tiberias usually receives less rain than Izmir. Tiberias gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tiberias 14°C (57°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Tiberias or Izmir in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tiberias as well as Izmir. Tiberias attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tiberias is a little warmer than Izmir in the spring. The daily temperature in Tiberias averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tiberias this time of the year. In the spring, Tiberias often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Tiberias gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.

Tiberias usually gets less rain in April than Izmir. Tiberias gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tiberias 20°C (68°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Tiberias

Tiberias Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 26 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)