İstanbul vs. İzmir: Why is İzmir Considered a Better Alternative to Living in Istanbul?

Why do people want to leave Istanbul and live in Izmir? In a previous article, I explained why, despite their desire, people find it hard to leave Istanbul, and even if they move to another city, they often return after a while. Perhaps the biggest exception to this phenomenon of being unable to leave Istanbul is Izmir. For many people living in Istanbul, their dream is to relocate to Izmir as soon as possible. In fact, Izmir is the top choice for those who move away from Istanbul.

Having lived in Izmir for 11 years and in Istanbul since 1992, I can say I know both cities quite well. Many of my relatives, including my little brother and his family still live in Izmir. So, what makes Izmir such an attractive alternative compared to Istanbul? Why do many people, especially the white-collar workforce in Istanbul, dream of moving to Izmir one day? Here are the reasons – just like in my other article, I’ll first list the general reasons and then share my own thoughts.

Why Istanbul Residents Dream of Moving to Izmir

In summary: Many residents of Istanbul, tired of the city’s fast-paced and exhausting lifestyle, dream of relocating to Izmir. With its somewhat more relaxed atmosphere, affordable living, and proximity to both nature and history, Izmir offers an appealing alternative. While Istanbul may be the economic and cultural hub of Turkey, Izmir provides a more peaceful, livable environment, attracting those seeking a better quality of life.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why so many Istanbul residents are drawn to the idea of moving to Izmir, and explore what makes this vibrant coastal city such an attractive alternative.

1. Relaxed Atmosphere

Izmir offers a much more relaxed lifestyle compared to the high-paced, stressful environment of Istanbul. The city’s smaller population contributes to a more laid-back and manageable daily routine.

However, it’s also true that Izmir is still a large and crowded city, especially by European standards. The third most populated city in Turkey (after Istanbul and Ankara), Izmir’s 2024 population is now estimated at 3,120,340, compared to just 223,824 in 1950. The city has grown by 31,926 in the last year alone, representing a 1.03% annual change. Like Istanbul, Izmir has seen significant migration in recent years and has largely lost its former tranquility. Therefore, when we talk about a “relaxed atmosphere,” we should emphasize that it’s “in comparison to Istanbul,” and the gap between the two is quickly closing.

Skyscrapers in Izmir, Turkey
Izmir, Turkey’s third most populated city, has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with a population now estimated at 3,120,340 in 2024. Like Istanbul, Izmir has seen significant migration, leading to increased urbanization and congestion. Though it offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Istanbul, the city’s expansion means that the gap between the two is steadily narrowing. Photo: Skyscrapers in Izmir, Turkey by Berke Kayalar – Source, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

But, still, even in busier parts of the city like Konak, the crowds in Izmir are far more manageable than Istanbul’s overwhelming throngs, allowing residents to enjoy the city without feeling suffocated.

2. Livability

Compared to Istanbul, everything in Izmir is more accessible, from commuting to leisure activities. You don’t have to deal with the overwhelming traffic and crowded spaces that plague Istanbul, making daily life much easier and more enjoyable.

Still, it’s not accurate to say that Izmir has no traffic problems. Especially during rush hour, traffic can get quite congested in city centers, partly due to the growing population in recent years. Additionally, we can generally say that drivers in Izmir are worse than those in Istanbul.

You might be thinking now, “How could it be worse than Istanbul?” – despite everything, Istanbul is the city in Turkey where drivers follow the rules the most. In Izmir, drivers almost never use their turn signals, for example. The city’s “relaxed” atmosphere seems to extend to its drivers as well, as they tend to be less attentive when turning or changing lanes. If you plan to drive in Izmir, it’s good to keep these things in mind.

3. Affordability

Izmir is significantly more affordable than Istanbul. From housing to everyday expenses, the cost of living is lower, allowing residents to have a higher quality of life with fewer financial burdens.

However, it’s also true that job opportunities in many sectors are much more limited in Izmir compared to Istanbul, and salaries are relatively lower. For those looking to start a business, while Izmir is a large city, its economy is much smaller compared to Istanbul. Additionally, due to lower incomes, people have less capacity or willingness to spend money.

İzmir panorama at night
İzmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and one of the country’s fastest-growing urban economies. However, I must note that job opportunities and salaries are still behind those of Istanbul.

4. Liberal and Tolerant Spirit

Izmir is known for its liberal and open-minded atmosphere. People are generally more tolerant, and the social and political tensions that can divide Istanbul are less prevalent in Izmir.

5. Better for Families

Izmir is much more family-friendly, offering peace of mind for parents and a healthier environment for children to grow up in. With significantly less pollution, lower crime rates, and better access to green spaces and nature, it provides families with a more balanced and relaxed lifestyle.

Especially, the touristic beaches around, which children adore, are easily accessible, making it an ideal place to raise children.

Additionally, the sense of community in Izmir is strong, with family-oriented activities and neighborhoods that foster a supportive atmosphere for parents and children alike.

İzmir’s Alsancak: 4K Walking Tour Through the Heart of the City. Video by the Izmir Explorer.

6. Friendly Community

People in Izmir are known for being more approachable and community-oriented. The social dynamics are far more relaxed and less competitive than those in Istanbul, fostering a stronger sense of belonging.

7. Shelter from City Hassles

Living in areas like Güzelbahçe or Urla offers even more tranquility, with the perks of being close to nature and the beautiful Aegean Sea while still having access to the city’s amenities. In contrast, Istanbul’s outskirts still suffer from congestion and noise. Even Bahçeköy (where I live), near the beautiful Belgrad Forest, becomes an ultra-crowded place during weekends, especially in Summer.

8. Growing Support for Hobbies

In recent years, İzmir has become a much better city for pursuing hobbies. While Istanbul used to be the only city in Turkey where you could easily find materials or resources for activities like cycling, photography, and music, İzmir now offers a growing range of specialized shops, up-to-date equipment, and hobby communities. Whether you’re into musical instruments, electronic devices, or collectible items, İzmir is increasingly keeping pace with Istanbul, making it easier to pursue your passions without the need to relocate to the bustling metropolis.

Vincenzo Nibali in İzmir
La Gazzetta dello Sport riding event, Vincenzo Nibali (winner of the 2013 Giro d’Italia) at Sabuncubeli (Manisa-Izmir road) with other cyclists. Izmir now offers a growing range of specialized shops, up-to-date equipment, and hobby communities, making it an attractive location for cycling enthusiasts.

9. Proximity to Nature, Seaside Towns, and History

Weekends in Izmir offer easy escapes to beautiful beaches like Foça and Çeşme, and historical sites like Teos and Ephesus, without the exhausting return trips that can ruin a weekend getaway from Istanbul.

First of all, Izmir is located on the Aegean coast. The Aegean Sea and its beaches are far more beautiful and clean compared to the Marmara or Black Sea. Moreover, due to its location, Izmir is much closer to the tourist destinations in the south, such as Bodrum, Marmaris, Datça, and Antalya, than Istanbul. You can easily access these spots by car and even make day trips. Wonderful holiday towns like Foça and Çeşme (although Çeşme has become extremely expensive due to settlers from Istanbul in the 2000s and beyond) are only an hour away from the city center of Izmir. This is a luxury you can never find in Istanbul.

Özgür Nevres at Foça beach (1999)
Me at Foça Beach. A photo from 1999.

Summary

The main reasons why people want to leave Istanbul and move to Izmir are as mentioned above. However, as someone who knows the old Izmir, I can say that many of these qualities are gradually disappearing, and Izmir is becoming more and more like Istanbul.

For me, the most convincing reason to move to Izmir would be the last item on the list. Being close to the beaches and southern tourist destinations is particularly appealing to me, as someone who loves the sea, swimming, and summer vacations (and has been deprived of them for a long time in Istanbul).

Perhaps the only advantage Istanbul has over Izmir in this regard is that, in Istanbul, you can swim directly from the city itself. The Bosphorus offers many beautiful spots for this (although, of course, it can’t compare to the beaches in the south). In Izmir, you can’t do that – the sea in the city center is very polluted.

İzmir Karşıyaka, 1950s
Once upon a time (in the 1950s) Karşıyaka. Taking its name from being located on the opposite shore of Izmir (it literally means “the opposite shore”), Karşıyaka was once a place that rivaled the popular holiday resorts in the south, with its pristine sea and no more than two-story houses along the coast. Today, however, the entire shoreline is filled with massive apartment buildings, and the sea is too polluted for swimming.

In fact, in the past (especially in the 80s and ’90s) and particularly during the summer months, İzmir Bay used to smell terrible. The bad odor could be noticed from kilometers away. People who had been away from İzmir for a long time would even joke, saying, “I even miss that smell of İzmir.” Or we would say, “I know I’m in İzmir from the smell.”

This smell issue has largely been resolved today. Although there are still occasional odors during the summer months, the situation is much better than it used to be.

Where is İzmir and How To Get There?

Getting to Izmir from Istanbul:

  • By Air: The fastest way to reach Izmir from Istanbul is by air. Flights from Istanbul to Izmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport take about 1 hour, and multiple flights operate daily from both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). From the airport, it’s easy to reach the city center or surrounding areas by taxi, shuttle, or public transportation.
  • By Bus: If you prefer traveling by road, there are long-distance buses that connect Istanbul to Izmir. The journey takes around 8-9 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route. Many bus companies offer comfortable services with onboard entertainment and refreshments.
  • By Car: Driving from Istanbul to Izmir takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and your route. You can either drive along the coastline or take the O-5 highway, which includes the impressive Osmangazi Bridge, reducing travel time.
  • By Ferry and Train: While less common, you can also take a ferry from Istanbul to Bandırma and then connect by train or bus to Izmir, although this option may take longer. When I was a university student, I took the ferry and train route from Istanbul to Izmir a few times. It was an interesting way to travel, starting with a ferry ride from Istanbul to Bandırma. The ferry part of the journey was quite pleasant, offering scenic views of the Marmara Sea. Once in Bandırma, I would switch to a train that would take me through the Turkish countryside all the way to Izmir. Although the journey was longer compared to flying or taking a direct bus, it had a certain charm and allowed for a more relaxed, scenic experience.

Getting to Izmir from Other Parts of the World:

  • By Air: Izmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport is an international airport with direct flights to many major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, especially during the tourist season. For travelers coming from outside these regions, the easiest route is often to fly into Istanbul and take a connecting flight to Izmir.
  • By Sea: Cruise ships frequently stop in Izmir, making it accessible for those traveling through the Mediterranean or Aegean Sea.

Izmir’s strategic location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby coastal towns, historical sites, and other famous destinations in Turkey like Ephesus and Pamukkale.

Sources

Özgür Nevres
Özgür Nevres

I am a software developer and a science enthusiast. I was graduated from the Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Computer Engineering. I write about the city of Istanbul on this website. I live in Istanbul since 1992. I am also an animal lover! I take care of stray cats & dogs. This website's all income goes directly to our furry friends. Please consider supporting me on Patreon [by clicking here], so I can help more animals!

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