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

Should you visit Kefalonia or Izmir?

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 Kefalonia and Izmir. 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: Kefalonia or Izmir?

Kefalonia

With its dramatic landscapes, picturesque villages, and endless sandy beaches, Kefalonia offers a quintessential Greek island experience away from the crowds. This stunning Ionian gem has something for everyone, from outdoor adventurers to history buffs to beach bums. Kefalonia provides excellent value compared to some of Greece's more popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos. Hotels are not as expensive, and budget-friendly options are common. Eating at casual tavernas or buying fresh produce from local markets can keep food costs very reasonable, too.

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 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Kefalonia?

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 Kefalonia is €294, while the average daily cost in Izmir is €82. 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 Kefalonia and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kefalonia 120
    Izmir 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kefalonia 240
    Izmir 80
Compare Hotels in Kefalonia and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Kefalonia 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 Kefalonia


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: Kefalonia Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kefalonia 53
    Izmir 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Transfer from Izmir to Didim: $287
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $251
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $209
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
  • Izmir Airport to Cesme/Alacati, Kusadasi, and Foca Transfers: $144
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Kusadasi International Golf Hotels: $143
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Cesme Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Selcuk: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Kefalonia or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Kefalonia 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
    Kefalonia 140
    Izmir 28

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.
    Kefalonia 33
    Izmir 14

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $171
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Izmir Walking Tour: $185
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $161
  • Day Tour to Pamukkale from-to Izmir: $240
  • Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir with Lunch: $131
  • Ephesus Excursion For Cruisers: $586
  • Ephesus Full Day Tour From Izmir: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kefalonia 22
    Izmir 5.91

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