Which place is cheaper, Johor Bahru or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Izmir or Johor Bahru?
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 Johor Bahru. 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 Johor Bahru?
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.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is the capital of the state of Johor in Southern Malaysia. Though it is largely industrial and does not typically cater to tourists, especially compared to the grandeur of neighboring Singapore, the city does have some opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesJohor Bahru Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $96Johor Bahru $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Johor Bahru is $64. 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 Johor Bahru in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $47Johor Bahru $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $94Johor Bahru $80
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Johor Bahru
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Johor Bahru? 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.
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 Johor Bahru Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $23Johor Bahru $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
- Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45
- Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $47
- Marmaris - Fethiye From Or To DLM Airport Private Meet Transfer: $48
- Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $54
- Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $56
- Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir hotels: $59
- Izmir Airport Private Luxury Transfer : $59
- Izmir Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer From Izmır Airport to Izmir City Hotels: $66
- From/To Izmir Airport Private Transfer Services: $66
- Private Transfer | IZMIR City Hotels - Izmir AIRPORT: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Johor Bahru
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Johor Bahru:
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Fraser's Hill Transfer [Van]: $104
- Chauffeur: Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Transfer [Car]: $249
- Johor Bahru City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- Johor Bahru to Genting Highlands Hotels (Door to Door) Private Transfer: $180
- Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur Airport 1-way Transfer: $103
- Johor Bharu to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- LEGOLAND Malaysia Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $182
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $105
- LEGOLAND Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $105
- Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $103
- Legoland Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $125
- Private Transfer : Johor Bharu (JB) to Kuala Lumpur (KL): $131
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Johor Bahru?
Prices for flights to both Johor Bahru 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
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Food Meals for one dayIzmir $33Johor Bahru $16
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $16Johor Bahru $7.81
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 Johor Bahru
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Johor Bahru are as follows:
- Firefly Tour Johor Bahru@Kota Tinggi Firefly Park: $6.32
- Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $11
- Singapore: Wings of Time Show Entry Ticket: $17
- Malaysia: Johor Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast Entry Ticket: $18
- Singapore Sentosa: Trick Eye 3D Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
- Johor: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort Entry Ticket: $21
- Experience Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $21
- Singapore Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass E-Tickets: $21
- Magical Brooklyn Cruise at Puteri Harbour: $22
- Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark Admission Ticket: $22
- Legoland Malaysia Ticket: $23
- Legoland Malaysia Theme Park E-Tickets: $23
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.94Johor Bahru $5.09
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 Johor Bahru, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Johor Bahru much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Johor Bahru is in Asia, 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 Johor Bahru would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Johor Bahru 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 Johor Bahru.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Johor Bahru Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Johor Bahru?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Johor Bahru. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Johor Bahru, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.