Which place is cheaper, Lisbon or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir or Lisbon?
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 Lisbon. 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 Lisbon?
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.
Lisbon
Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Lisbon $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Lisbon is $140. 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 Lisbon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Lisbon $63
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Lisbon $126
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Lisbon
Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Lisbon? 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 Lisbon Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Lisbon $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
- Vip Airport Transfer: $98
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
- Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
- Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:
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Taxi Ride$6.96
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon
Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Private Transfer to Cascais | Sintra | Estoril: $29
- Airport Private Transfer to Lisbon: $23
- Airport Transfer - Lisbon: $60
- Airport Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Luxury Van: $95
- Airport Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS in Business Car: $66
- Airport Transfer: Lisbon to Lisbon Airport LIS in Luxury Van: $95
- Arrival Private Transfer from Lisbon airport LIS to Lisbon City by Luxury Van: $48
- Arrival Transfer: Lisbon Airport LIS to Lisbon in Business Car: $65
- Cascais transfer: Private Transfer to/from Cascais or Lisbon: $59
- Costa da Caparica Private Transfer from / to Lisbon: $33
- Departure Private Transfer from Lisbon City to Lisbon airport LIS by Luxury Van: $48
- Exclusive Luxury Transfers to/from Lisbon Airport: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Lisbon?
Prices for flights to both Lisbon 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 $24Lisbon $45
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
- Tapas Food Tour: $42
- Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
- Lisbon Food Tour: $53
- Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
- 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
- Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
- No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
- Original Morning Food Tour: $63
- Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $70
- Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Izmir $21Lisbon $26
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 Lisbon
For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- See Lisbon Through the Eyes of a Local - Free Walking Tour: $1.07
- Lisbon Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.12
- Belém Unveiled: A Free Tour Through the Age of Discoveries: $1.28
- Alfama Walking Tour Lisbon: $3.26
- Wonders of Lisbon Walking Tour: $3.93
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Lisbon: $4.36
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in the Marvels of Lisbon : $4.80
- Lisbon Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
- Lisbon Walking Tour: $5.35
- Lisbon Cathedral Entry Ticket: $5.35
- Tower of Saint George’s Castle Church Ticket & Drink: $5.35
- A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Príncipe Real to Downtown Lisbon: $5.53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Lisbon $20
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 Lisbon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:
- Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
- 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
- Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
- Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
- Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
- Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
- Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
- Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
- Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Lisbon, we can see that Lisbon 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon 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 Lisbon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Lisbon?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lisbon. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Lisbon, 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 Lisbon?
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 Lisbon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Lisbon. Also, many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lisbon. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 352 hours of full sun.
Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Lisbon. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Lisbon 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Lisbon in the Autumn?
Both Lisbon and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lisbon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Izmir is around the same temperature as Lisbon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Lisbon fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Lisbon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Lisbon during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Lisbon 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Lisbon in the Winter?
Both Lisbon and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lisbon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Izmir is cooler than Lisbon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Lisbon averages at about 12°C (53°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Lisbon. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lisbon receives 144 hours of full sun.
Lisbon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Lisbon. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Lisbon 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Lisbon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Lisbon. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Lisbon. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Lisbon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon 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 Lisbon during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Lisbon receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Lisbon. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lisbon receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Lisbon 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Lisbon and Izmir
| Izmir | Lisbon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.