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

Should you visit Izmir or Budva?

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 Izmir and Budva. 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: Izmir or Budva?

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.

Budva

A coastal resort in Montenegro, Budva is probably the country's most popular tourist destination. Not only does it host a number of great beaches, but it is also home to a picturesque old town center located on a small peninsula. Some of its best features include narrow winding lanes, historic buildings, churches, and small squares.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Montenegro, and The Best Adventure Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Budva or Izmir?

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 Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Budva is $133. 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 Izmir and Budva in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Budva $43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Budva $86
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Budva

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Budva? 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 Izmir


Hotels in Budva


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 and Budva Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Budva $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $120
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $56
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Edremit Hotels: $113
  • Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
  • Balikesir Edremit Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $113
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $113
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $251

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budva

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


  • Daily Car Rental
    $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budva

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Budva:

  • AIRPORT TRANSFER Montenegro Budva Tivat Podgorica Kotor Perast: $68
  • Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $111
  • Private Transfer from Bar to Tivat Airport (TIV): $168
  • Private Transfer from Budva to Podgorica Airport and city: $46
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat Airport (TIV): $111
  • Private Transfer from Petrovac to Tivat airport: $131
  • Private transfer Tivat/Kotor/Budva-Podgorica: $149
  • Tivat to Budva private one way transfer: $107

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Budva?

Prices for flights to both Budva and Izmir 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
    Izmir $33
    Budva $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Budva $26

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Guided Walking Tour of Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Castle: $32
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels : $67
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $69
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
  • Izmir City Tour: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour WITH ENTRY TICKETS+LUNCH: $85
  • From Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Karahayit Day Tour: $88
  • Izmir City Tour : $90

Tours and Activities in Budva

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

  • 1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro: $19
  • Tour Cetinje, Lovćen & Mausoleum: $24
  • Kayak & Hike Experience on Sveti Nikola Island: $53
  • 3-Hour Paddle Board or Kayak Tour to Coastal Caves: $53
  • Night Lights Kayaking Tour: $53
  • Budva Bay: Kayak & SUP Tour to Coastal Caves: $54
  • 2-Hour «Night Lights» Kayak Tour: $54
  • Small group kayaking tour from Budva to Sveti Nikola island caves: $60
  • Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour: $69
  • Full-Day Boka Bay Cruise Tour from Budva with Guide: $70
  • Great tour of coastal monasteries in Budva - Walking on the path of history!: $72
  • Budva Diving - Scuba Diving Experience: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Budva $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Budva?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Budva. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Budva, 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.