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

Should you visit Izmir or Pokhara?

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 Pokhara. 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 Pokhara?

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.

Pokhara

Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Pokhara 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 $81, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $21. 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 Pokhara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $40
    Pokhara $3.37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $80
    Pokhara $6.74
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Pokhara

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Pokhara? 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 Pokhara


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 Pokhara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $20
    Pokhara $6.58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $64
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $89
  • Ayvalık to Izmir Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Ayvalık to Izmir International Airport (ADB) - Departure Private Transfer: $58
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $109
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Edremit Hotels: $109
  • Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels to Balikesir Airport Transfers: $109
  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer: $80
  • Bodrum Airport Transfer Luxury Van Meet Transfer: $43
  • Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers to Gocek Hotels: $57
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable Meet Transfer: $45
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $98

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:

  • "Exclusive Round-Trip Transfer: Pokhara to Jomsom & Muktinath": $191
  • Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
  • Pokhara Airport Transfer to hotels – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $20
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu Transfer by Private Car: $99
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu: Premium Private Car Transfer: $130
  • Annapurna Foothills Day Hike With Transfers: $45
  • Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu: $120
  • Transfer to Lower Mustang (Jomsom): $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Pokhara?

Prices for flights to both Pokhara 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 $28
    Pokhara $12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Izmir.

  • Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $115
  • Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $286

Typical Food Prices in Pokhara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:


  • Dinner for Two
    $3.88
  • Dessert (for 2)
    $2.59
  • Pastries
    $1.29
  • Dinner
    $5.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.

  • Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
  • Nepalese Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
  • Nepali Cooking Class in Pokhara with a Local Family: $60
  • 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
  • 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
  • Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $14
    Pokhara $6.26

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Izmir Private Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & Highlights: $24
  • Marmaris All Inc Full Day Boat Tour Swim Sunbathe and Explore: $29
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines: $29
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $30
  • Budget-Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $40
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $45
  • Izmir City Tour with a Professional Guide: $46
  • Marmaris Turtle Beach Dalyan River Cruise and Mud Bath Adventure: $46
  • Pamukkale Small Group Tour from Antalya: $56
  • From Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, & Sirince Tour: $60
  • Full Day Marmaris Pirate Boat Tour with Lunch: $63
  • Marmaris Pirate Themed Family Boat Cruise with Lunch: $63

Tours and Activities in Pokhara

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

  • Pokhara to Chitwan Tourist Bus Sofa seater: $9.00
  • Sarangkot Sunrise & Private Full-Day Highlights Tour: $10
  • Pokhara Places of Interest Tour by Sharing Bus: $10
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Ticket Luxury Sofa: $11
  • Chitwan: to Kathmandu/Pokhara Tourist Bus luxurious Sofa: $12
  • Kathmandu: to Chitwan By Luxurious Sofa Tourist Bus or Back: $12
  • Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $12
  • Budget Unguided Tour By Sharing Bus: $12
  • Bandipur to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Ticket Luxury Sofa: $13
  • Tourist Bus: Chitwan to Pokhara or Pokhara to Chitwan: $14
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist Sofa Bus: $14
  • Tourist Bus Pokhara to Kathmandu (Luxury Sofa Seat): $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $5.84
    Pokhara $5.65

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Izmir Port Ephesus Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $113
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Pokhara, we can see that Izmir is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and Pokhara is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Izmir would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Izmir than you might in Pokhara.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Pokhara Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Pokhara?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Pokhara, 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.