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

Should you visit Izmir or Potsdam?

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 Potsdam. 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 Potsdam?

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.

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam 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 Potsdam is $119. 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 Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Potsdam $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Potsdam $128
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Potsdam? 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 Potsdam


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 Potsdam Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
  • From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam 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
    Potsdam $33

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

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
  • Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
  • Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
  • PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
  • Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
  • Ephesus Tour: $56
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $70
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

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

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Potsdam $7.18

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


When comparing the travel costs between Izmir and Potsdam, we can see that Potsdam is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Potsdam?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and Potsdam, 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 Potsdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Izmir or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Potsdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Izmir during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Izmir is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the autumn, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Potsdam. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. Izmir is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Potsdam. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the spring, Izmir is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the spring, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Potsdam. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Izmir

Izmir Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)