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

Should you visit Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh 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: Phnom Penh or Porto?

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.

Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.

Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.

Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Porto or Phnom Penh?

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 Phnom Penh is $50, while the average daily cost in Porto is $187. 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 Phnom Penh and Porto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Phnom Penh $12
    Porto $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Phnom Penh $24
    Porto $168
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Porto

Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh


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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Porto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.87
    Porto $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:

  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh City to Can Tho City: $375
  • Siem Reap: Private Transfer to or from Phnom Penh: $239
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh HTL-APT (PNH): $200
  • Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2010: $190
  • Private Transfer/ Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville by VIP Alphard 2010: $180
  • Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap by VIP Alphard 2005: $165
  • Siem Reap or Private One-Way Transfer: $158
  • Ground Transfer/ Minivan/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $150
  • Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
  • Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
  • Private Taxi transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh: $145

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Porto

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

  • Airport Transfer: Porto Airport OPO to Porto by Luxury Van : $108
  • Airport Transfers: $30
  • Arrival Transfer from Porto Airport OPO to Porto in Private Car/Van: $106
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Car: $149
  • Departure Transfer: Porto to Porto Airport OPO in Luxury Van: $106
  • Douro Valley Private One-Way Transfer (Régua, Pinhão, Lamego): $191
  • From Private transfer to Lisbon with up to 3 Stops: $269
  • From Transfer to Lisbon with up to 3 City Stops: $269
  • Funchal to Porto Moniz: Volcanic Pools Day Transfer: $70
  • Gaia Private Transfer to Oporto Airport: $17
  • Gaia Private Transfer to Porto: $20
  • Madeira: Porto da Cruz to Machico Hiking Tour with Transfer: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Porto?

Prices for flights to both Porto and Phnom Penh 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
    Phnom Penh $23
    Porto $74
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:


  • Dinner for Two
    $10
  • Breakfast for Two
    $4.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh

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

  • Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
  • Buffet Dinner Cruise Experience with Live Music: $12
  • Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
  • Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
  • Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
  • Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
  • Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
  • Street Art and Food Tour with Pickup and Beer: $39
  • Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
  • Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
  • Evening Food Tour with Drinks & Tuk Tuk Included: $49

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 Antero de Quental: $42
  • Porto Walking Food Tour: $66
  • Bolhão Market Guided Food Tour: $78
  • Semi - Private Oporto Food Tour : $83
  • Craft Beer & Food Tour in Porto: $83
  • Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class in Porto with Chef Maria: $89
  • Semi Private Oporto Fado Show with Dinner: $90
  • Porto Heritage Night Tour With Fado Show And Dinner Included: $94
  • Porto Food & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option: $94
  • Porto Food Tour of 8 Tastings: Custard Tart, Bifana & Hidden Gems: $95
  • Private Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $96
  • Fado Show with Dinner in a Traditional Fado House: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Phnom Penh $7.65
    Porto $30

Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh

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

  • Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $19
  • Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
  • Phnom Penh Private Tour with Luggage Storage: $7.92
  • ( Free eSim) Classic Phnom Penh Full Day Tour : $45
  • 2 Day SUV and Minivan Tour Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: $145
  • 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
  • 2 Days Private Guide Tour Phnom Penh Heritage: $282
  • 5-Hour Biking Tour in Mekong Island: $49
  • 6-8 Hours Phnom Penh Private Guided Tour : $15
  • A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide : $65
  • A Full Day Tour for Royal Palace, S21, Killing Fields & More : $35
  • A day Trip Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Private English Speaking Driver : $105

Tours and Activities in Porto

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

  • Self-Guided Tour Adventure Discovering Porto: $1.17
  • Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.20
  • Self Guided Tour in Porto with 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.58
  • Porto - Origin & Present - Guided Tour: $3.59
  • Tour of Vila Nova de Gaia : $3.59
  • Porto's Old Town Tour & Ribeira: $3.59
  • Porto Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $3.59
  • Porto Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $4.49
  • Porto Highlights the Original Walking Tour: $4.78
  • Porto by the Ocean: Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
  • Amazing Secrets of Self-Guided Puzzle Adventure: $7.16
  • Love in Romantic Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Phnom Penh $4.33
    Porto $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:

  • Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Porto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Porto:

  • Wine Experience Museum with 3 Wine Tastings: $24
  • Private visit with wine tasting in Alijó Douro: $24
  • Pub Crawl Porto: $26
  • Flavours of Portugal – Wine Tastings at WOW Wine School: $30
  • Taylor's Port Cellars Visit & Port Wine Tasting: $30
  • Halloween Pub Crawl 4 bars, 1 club, Scary Games & 7 Drinks: $30
  • Authentic Oporto Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $33
  • Porto Wine Tasting with GUIDED TOUR: $36
  • Porto City Tour with Wine Tasting: $41
  • 5 Port Wine Tasting with pairings: $42
  • Luxury Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting & Snacks: $54
  • Port and Douro Wine Walking Tour With 10 Wine Tastings: $54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Porto, we can see that Porto is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phnom Penh is in Asia and Porto is in Europe, 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 Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh.

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


Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Porto?

Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Porto. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh 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.