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

Should you visit Izmir or Porto?

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 Porto. 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 Porto?

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.

Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. It is also the capital of the Northern Region and a hub for commercial and industrial activity. The city is not as large as you might expect, with a population of only about 300,000 residents, but the metropolitan area has a population of about 2.5 million. This includes nearby cities such as Gaia, Matosinhos, Maia and Gondomar.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Porto is $135. 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 Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Porto $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Porto $138
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Porto? 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 Porto


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 Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Porto $22

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 Porto

Also for Porto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfers: $27
  • Airport transfer with vintage Vw Kombi van: $107
  • Arrival Transfer from Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Private Car/Van: $97
  • Arrival Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Business Car: $76
  • Aveiro Private Transfer to Porto: $79
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Business Car: $76
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Van: $92
  • Effortless Wheels Seamless Transfer Experience Porto-Lisbon: $364
  • Exclusive Private Transfer Gaia - Porto Airport: $46
  • From Porto Bus Station: Transfer to/from Lisbon Oriente: $4.22
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Lisbon: $642
  • From Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima: $627

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto 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 $24
    Porto $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Porto

For Porto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pastel de Nata Cooking Class in Downtown Porto: $37
  • Tastiest Calories Food Tour: $48
  • Bolhão Market and Codfish Tasting Guided Food Tour: $52
  • Porto Food Tour: Full Meal & Drinks: $56
  • Porto Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $57
  • 3-Hour Food Tour: $68
  • Half-Day Food Tour: $68
  • Portuguese Craft Beer and Food Tour: $74
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour: $74
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $75
  • Secret Food Tour: $77
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $21
    Porto $27

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 Porto

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Porto.

  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.09
  • Ultimate Ribeira Walking Tour: $2.60
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • The Unvanquished Tour in Porto City Center: $3.26
  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Porto (Gaia) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.82
  • Casa São Roque Direct Entry Ticket: $8.56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Porto $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 Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Museu do Vitral Entry Ticket and Wine Tasting: $8.56
  • Guided City Pub Crawl with Club Entry: $13
  • Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Tastings: $15
  • Mysterious Pub Crawl Interactive City Discovery Game: $19
  • Pub Crawl with 5 Drinks: $19
  • Porto Pub Crawl With Unlimited Beer: $20
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and Drinking Games: $21
  • Poças: Guided Tour & Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Poças Guided Visit and Port Wine Tasting with Pastel de Nata: $21
  • Rooftop Fado concert, Port wine tasting, Portuguese tart: $21
  • Classic Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $22
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $23


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and Porto, we can see that Porto 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 Porto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Porto 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 Porto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Porto?

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

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Izmir is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Porto. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Porto 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Porto. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Izmir is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Porto. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Porto 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Porto. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Porto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Porto 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

Izmir is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Porto. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Porto 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Porto and Izmir

Izmir Porto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)