Which place is cheaper, Faro or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Faro?
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 Faro. 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 Faro?
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.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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 in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Faro $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Faro is $143. 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 Faro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Faro $80
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Faro $160
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Faro
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Faro? 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 Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Faro $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $294
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $196
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $185
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
- Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $167
- Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $167
- Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $159
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
- Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ) Transfers airport Faro X Sevilla: $91
- Aiport Transfer from FARO to TAVIRA or CABANAS: $72
- Airport Transfer to Albufeira: $62
- Airport Transfer to Armação da Pera: $81
- Airport Transfer to Burgau: $143
- Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
- Airport Transfer to Carvoeiro: $87
- Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
- Airport Transfer to Gale: $67
- Airport Transfer to Huelva: $155
- Airport Transfer to Isla Antilla: $129
- Airport Transfer to Lagos: $118
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Faro?
Prices for flights to both Faro 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 $24Faro $39
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
- 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Faro $10
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
- Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
- 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
- Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
- Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.45
- Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
- Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.84
- Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
- Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
- Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $21
- Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
- 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
- Tavira Route Boat Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Faro $3.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
- Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Faro, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Faro?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Faro, 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 Faro?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Izmir or Faro in the Summer?
Both Faro and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Faro in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Faro 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Faro in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Faro. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Izmir is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Faro averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Faro during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Faro. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Faro 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Faro in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Faro. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year.
In January, Izmir is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Faro. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun.
Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Faro. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Faro 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Faro in the Spring?
Both Faro and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the beaches.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Faro in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Faro during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Faro. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Faro 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Faro and Izmir
| Izmir | Faro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.