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

Should you visit Izmir or San Juan?

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 San Juan. 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 San Juan?

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.

San Juan

If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.

As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.

As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.

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


Which place is cheaper, San Juan 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 $86, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $218. 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 San Juan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $43
    San Juan $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $86
    San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Izmir and San Juan

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or San Juan? 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 San Juan


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 San Juan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $21
    San Juan $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $283
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $248
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $248
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Didim: $241
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $230
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $206
  • Izmir Airport (ADB) to Çeşme, Alaçatı Round-Trip Private Transfer: $177
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $170
  • Luxury Private Izmir Airport Transfer Service: $160
  • Izmir Airport to Didim Hotels – Private Airport Transfer: $153
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Kusadasi International Golf Hotels: $142

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan

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

  • Departure Transfer from Old San Juan to to SJU Airport by Car: $86
  • Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $289
  • HandyCap Airport Transfer to Isla Verde, Condado or Ocean Park: $100
  • Luxury Puerto Rico Private Transfers: $220
  • One-way transfer from SJU Airport to Cruise Port or Vice Versa: $65
  • Premium Transfer Service FROM or TO Rio Grande Puerto Rico: $50
  • Private Transfer Airport SJU to Old San Juan Vice versa One way: $65
  • Private Transfer from SJU Airport to Humacao Hotels: $180
  • Private Transfer from San Juan Airport (SJU) to Ponce Cruise Port: $77
  • Private Transfer in San Juan: $75
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
  • Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or San Juan?

Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 $30
    San Juan $62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Authentic Dinner Cooking with a Local Family in İzmir: $90
  • Private Food tour in Europe and Asian Side of Istanbul: $295

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan

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

  • FlyDining: 4 Course Sunset & City Light Dinner Over Old San Juan: $159
  • Morning Old San Juan Food Tour: $169
  • Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
  • Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walking Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $14
    San Juan $49

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $295
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • BEST SELLER Small Group Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $117
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $41
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $71
  • Customized Ephesus Private Tour / FOR CRUISE GUESTS ONLY: $170
  • Customized Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $189
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $159
  • EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR From Izmir Port: $117
  • Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
  • Ephesus Ancient City Tour from Izmir Explore Historic Landmarks: $240

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan

For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Horseback Riding Tour
    $40
  • Full Day Snorkeling Trip
    $100
  • 1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson
    $75

Tours and Activities in San Juan

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

  • The Ultimate Self-Guided Hidden Gems Tour in Puerto Rico: $5.00
  • Transportation in San Juan, Isla verde, Condado, Hotels, Cruises & Airbnb's SJU: $14
  • Outdoor Salsa Class Experience in San Juan: $19
  • San Juan Ghost Tour: Shrieks in the Sugarcane: $26
  • Old San Juan Tour in Spanish: $30
  • Paddleboard Adventure: Explore Marine Life in Condado Lagoon: $32
  • SJU Airport to San Juan Cruise Port or return: $33
  • VIP San Juan Salsa Night Experience at Luxury Condado Beach: $35
  • San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos: $45
  • Legacy Tour at Casa BACARDÍ in Puerto Rico: $45
  • 1 Hour Bull Maze Adventure at Toroverde Urban Park San Juan: $45
  • Top Rated El Yunque Rainforest & Waterslide – SmallGroup Tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.26
    San Juan $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $124
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $277

Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:

  • Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
  • Puerto Rico Tobacco Farm and Local Brewery Tour: $109
  • Puerto Rico's First and Only Craft Beer Brewery Tour!: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Izmir and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Izmir is in Europe and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 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 San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 San Juan Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Izmir or San Juan?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Izmir and San Juan, 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 San Juan?

Izmir has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Izmir or San Juan in the Summer?

Both San Juan and Izmir during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.

Izmir is around the same temperature as San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than San Juan. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than San Juan. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Izmir or San Juan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and San Juan. Many travelers come to Izmir for the city's sights and attractions. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Izmir is cooler than San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Izmir in October average around 19°C (67°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan 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 San Juan during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Juan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than San Juan. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    San Juan 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Izmir or San Juan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Izmir as well as San Juan. Many visitors come to Izmir in the winter for the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.

In January, Izmir is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 9°C (48°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than San Juan. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    San Juan 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Izmir or San Juan in the Spring?

Both San Juan and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Izmir for the activities around the city during these months. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Izmir is much colder than San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than San Juan. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    San Juan 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for San Juan and Izmir

Izmir San Juan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 26°C (78°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 26°C (78°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)


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