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

Should you visit Paphos or Izmir?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Izmir, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Paphos or Izmir?

Paphos

Located on the southwestern tip of Cyprus, Paphos has many different archaeological sights and it is renowned as the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The town is situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains and it has grown in recent years as a tourist destination. As such, the local government has made efforts to improve the quality of the tourism infrastructure including investing in hotels, restaurants and transportation. There is also a commercial center to the city as well as a newly built "promenade" that travels from the marina along a long coastal path. This route offers excellent views, especially during the morning or evening hours when the sun is low.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Paphos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Paphos is €97, while the average daily cost in Izmir is €98. 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 Paphos and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paphos 48
    Izmir 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paphos 96
    Izmir 114
Compare Hotels in Paphos and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Paphos or Izmir? 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 Paphos


Hotels in Izmir


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: Paphos Hotel Prices and Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Izmir 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paphos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Paphos:

  • Blue Lagoon trip with slide, music & transfer from Paphos: $32
  • From Nicosia Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Transfer: $30
  • Paphos Airport (PFO) to Paphos city - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
  • Paphos to Paphos Int Airport (PFO) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
  • Choirokitia & Famagusta Guided Tour with Transfers: $43
  • Private Airport Transfer from Hotel to Paphos Airport in a 4-seater taxi: $42
  • Private Transfer Paphos Airport PFO to Paphos City by Luxury Car: $138
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport (PFO) to Limassol Port: $25
  • Private Transfer from Paphos Airport to Larnaca in Minivan(Taxi): $191

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Paphos or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Paphos 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
    Paphos 38
    Izmir 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paphos

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

  • From Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $52
  • Sunset Drink at Aphrodite's Rock & Folk Dinner: $54
  • Wave Dancer Fireworks, Buffet Dinner & Show Cruise: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paphos 12
    Izmir 19

Tours and Activities in Paphos

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

  • Cruise to Blue Lagoon from Latchi Port: $20
  • Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with water slide: $21
  • Blue Lagoon Cruise with sightseeing departing from LATCHI HARBOUR. Postcode 8840: $22
  • Nafsika II Half Day Cruise Swimming to blue lagoon water slide : $24
  • From Limassol Experience: $25
  • Latchi to Blue Lagoon Glass Bottom+slide Boat Tour: $25
  • Full day trip to Blue Lagoon Latchi Akamas with Boat cruise: $27
  • Chrysoroyiatissa ,Kykkos ,Omodos Day Tour from Paphos: $27
  • From Guided tour of Limassol with Rock of Aphrodite: $29
  • Paphos/Akamas: Blue Lagoon Bus & Boat Tour with Water Slide: $30
  • Blue Lagoon (Akamas) Cruise: $31
  • From Authentic Cyprus Guided Tour with Breakfast: $32

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paphos 9.98
    Izmir 8.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Paphos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paphos:

  • Wine tasting and winery tour at Fikardos Winery: $28
  • Troodos Mountains Jeep Tour with Wine Tasting: $64
  • Regional Wineries Tour with Wine Tastings: $80
  • WINE TOUR from Paphos: $104

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 Paphos and Izmir, we can see that Izmir 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 Paphos Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paphos or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Izmir, 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 Paphos or Izmir?

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 Paphos or Izmir in the Summer?

Both Izmir and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Izmir in the summer. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Izmir. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Paphos 27°C (80°F) 
    Izmir 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Izmir in the Autumn?

Both Izmir and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paphos in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Paphos is a little warmer than Izmir. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paphos in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Izmir averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Izmir. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Paphos 21°C (70°F) 
    Izmir 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Izmir in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Izmir. Most visitors come to Paphos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 12°C (53°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Izmir during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Izmir. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Paphos 12°C (53°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Paphos or Izmir in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Izmir. The spring months attract visitors to Paphos because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Paphos is around the same temperature as Izmir in the spring. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Izmir. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Izmir. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Paphos 17°C (62°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Paphos

Paphos Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)