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

Should you visit Izmir or Sochi?

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 Sochi. 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 Sochi?

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.

Sochi

Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Sochi 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 Sochi is $165. 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 Sochi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Sochi $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Sochi $32
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Sochi

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Sochi? 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 Sochi


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Sochi $168

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Sochi?

Prices for flights to both Sochi 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
    Sochi $33

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
    Sochi $125

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Sochi -

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 Sochi, we can see that Sochi 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 Sochi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sochi 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 Sochi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Sochi?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sochi. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Sochi, 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 Sochi?

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 Sochi in the Summer?

Both Sochi and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Izmir this time of year.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Sochi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sochi averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Sochi. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Sochi 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Sochi in the Autumn?

Both Sochi and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Sochi. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Sochi fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Sochi. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Sochi 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Sochi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Sochi. Many visitors come to Izmir in the winter for the cuisine.

Izmir is a little warmer than Sochi in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Sochi fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Sochi 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 Sochi. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Sochi 6°C (44°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Sochi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Sochi. Most visitors come to Izmir for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Sochi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Sochi averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Sochi. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Sochi 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Sochi and Izmir

Izmir Sochi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (47°F) 202 mm (8 in)