Which place is cheaper, Santander 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 Santander?
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 Santander. 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 Santander?
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.
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona.
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Izmir Prices
Turkey PricesSantander Prices
Spain Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $96Santander $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Santander is $162. 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 Santander in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $47Santander $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $94Santander $120
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Santander
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Santander? 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 Santander Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $23Santander $28
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $48
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $290
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $290
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $39
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $39
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Santander?
Prices for flights to both Santander 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 $33Santander $83
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 $16Santander $21
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 Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Santander Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $5.77
- Guided tour of Santander Cathedral: $14
- The El Centro Botin Skip the Line Entry Ticket: $15
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $17
- Guided tour in English of the center of Santander: $20
- El Sardinero Stadium Guided Tour: $21
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $30
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Train: $31
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
- Guided kayak tour of Santander Bay with a tour guide.: $41
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $65
- Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum with tickets- small groups: $72
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $6.94Santander $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
Sample the Local Flavors in Santander
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santander:
- Wine Tourism and Cheese in Cantabria: $209
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Santander, we can see that Santander 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 Santander would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santander 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 Santander Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Santander?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Santander. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Santander, 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 Izmir or Santander?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Izmir or Santander in the Summer?
Both Santander and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Santander. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Santander. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Santander 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Santander in the Autumn?
Both Santander and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Izmir in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.
Izmir is a little warmer than Santander in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Santander. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Santander 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Santander in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Santander. Most visitors come to Izmir for the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Izmir is around the same temperature as Santander. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Santander averages at about 9°C (49°F).
Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.
Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives less rain than Santander. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Santander 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Santander in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Santander. The spring months attract visitors to Izmir because of the activities around the city.
In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Santander. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Santander. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Santander 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santander and Izmir
| Izmir | Santander | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
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.