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

Should you visit Izmir or Ponce?

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 Ponce. 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 Ponce?

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.

Ponce

Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).

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, Ponce 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 $96, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $230. 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 Ponce in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Ponce $151
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Ponce

Looking for a hotel in Izmir or Ponce? 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 Ponce


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Ponce $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Bodrum Airport Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Private and Comfortable : $45
  • Izmir (ADB) Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Kusadasi: $45
  • Izmir Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Izmir City: $47
  • Marmaris or Fethiye FromTo DLM Airport Private Meet Transfer: $48
  • İzmir Transfer From/To Airport,Bodrum,Didim,Kusadasi,Cesme,Fethiy: $52
  • Private Transfer from Izmir city Hotels to Izmir Cruise Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Cruise Port to Izmir City Hotels: $54
  • Turkey Izmir Airport Private Transfer With Professional Driver: $55
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $55
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir Port: $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:

  • Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
  • Isabela / Hatillo to Aguadilla Airport(BQN) - DepartureTransfer: $44
  • Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
  • Private Transfers from SJU Airport to Isla Verde, Condado or San Juan área : $60
  • Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
  • San Juan Departure Share Transfer: $27
  • San Juan PR Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Transfer: $46
  • San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $46
  • Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
  • Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
  • Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Ponce?

Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $33
    Ponce $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class in İzmir: $59
  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce

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

  • Latin Night with Dinner and Local Music with Transportation: $59
  • Puerto Rico Art and Wine Dinner with One Way Transportation: $89
  • Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
  • Private Half-Day Island Authentic Food Tour : $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Ponce $56

Tours and Activities in Izmir

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

  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $30
  • Guided Walking Tour of Teos Ancient City and Sığacık Castle: $32
  • Izmir : Ephesus and Sirince Guided Tour: $53
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • private Ephesus the House of the Virgin Mary Tour from Izmir : $64
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Ephesus Tour: $66
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port and Hotels : $67
  • PRIVATE EPHESUS & MARY'S HOUSE TOUR from Izmir Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour with Tickets/Lunch: $84
  • From Ephesus, Artemis Temple Tour WITH ENTRY TICKETS+LUNCH: $85

Tours and Activities in Ponce

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:

  • Private Sunset Walking Tour in San Juan: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour in Ponce: $30
  • Historical Walking Tour in Old San Juan: $30
  • La Perla Cultural Tour: $35
  • Prive Tours in Puerto Rico: $40
  • Las Tinajas Waterfall: Guided Short Hike Adventure from Fajardo: $55
  • Walking Guided Tour of History and Myths of Old San Juan : $60
  • 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
  • Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
  • Half-Day Small-Group River Experience in El Yunque with Local : $68
  • El Yunque Rainforest, Waterslides & Beach Tour from San Juan: $75
  • Party Bus Experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Ponce $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $126
  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $132

Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce

Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50


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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Ponce?

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

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

Should I visit Izmir or Ponce in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Ponce. Most visitors come to Izmir for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Ponce during summer. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Izmir usually receives less rain than Ponce. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Ponce in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Ponce. The autumn months attract visitors to Izmir because of the city's sights and attractions. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.

In October, Izmir is generally cooler than Ponce. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the autumn, Izmir often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ponce. Izmir usually gets less rain in October than Ponce. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Ponce in the Winter?

Both Ponce and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Izmir this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Izmir is much colder than Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Ponce. Izmir usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during winter. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Izmir. In January, Izmir usually receives more rain than Ponce. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Ponce in the Spring?

Both Ponce and Izmir during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Izmir for the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ponce year-round.

In the spring, Izmir is much colder than Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Izmir. In the spring, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in April than Ponce. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Ponce and Izmir

Izmir Ponce
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)