For bathroom tiling purposes, consider them to be the same. Porcelain tile is a ceramic tile in that they are from the same family. You could consider porcelain to be a finer grade than ceramic tile, in that porcelain is typically harder, more dense, more difficult to cut, and has a lower water absorption rate. As to the manufacturing process, a lot of ceramic is stamped out into the tile size, then glazed and fired. Tiles can have differential shrinkage during the firing, so ceramic tiles can be off a bit in one dimension versus the other. A lot of porcelain is "rectified tile", it is fired in large sheets, then cut to size after firing. As such, it's generally more uniform in size, and the edges will be perfectly square "sawn" edges. With the tile size being uniform, they can be set closer together with smaller grout lines. None of those qualities are really make or break differences for interior residential bathroom applications. Exterior? You'd want to lean towards porcelain due to its lower water absorption and its subsequent ability to handle freeze/thaw cycles. So...a list of basic differences for you.

Laura,,,not enough info. either will work fine. usually porcelain is colored all the way through to the underlying clay body. this makes it a better choice if the tiles get chipped or broken (with ceramic, the white clay interior is usually visible if it breaks) otherwise, not a big difference. both work equally well in bathrooms. as far as easier to keep clean,,,huh? they both clean just as well. grout size is determined by the type of tile you get. longer larger tiles require larger grout lines, porcelain or ceramic. Just because the tile is porcelain, doesn't mean you get smaller grout lines than ceramic!

Choosing tile is not hard.Some tile sellers make it more complex than necessary by passing out a lot of misinformation. Tile for a shower wall does not have to be particularly hard, but it must be reasonably waterproof. All commercial tile is tested for water absorption and the resulting grade is written somewhere on the box. You should look for the ANSI Water Resistance rating. Water absorption is tested by weighing the tile, then boiling it for five hours. The tile is then soaked in cold water for another 24 hours. It is then weighed again to find its gain in weight from the original dry state. Any weight gain indicates water absorbed by the tile. The result is stated as a percent of change from its original dry weight in four classes: Non-Vitreous Water absorption of more than 7.0% by volume. Tile for non-wet areas. Around fire­places, for example. Typically intended for dry walls, hobby, and crafts use. Semi-Vitreous Water absorption of more than 3.0 percent, but not more than 7.0 percent. Tile for areas that may get wet on occasion, but are unlikely to see constant or standing water. Back­spla­shes or countertops, for example. Vitreous Water absorption of more than 0.5 percent, but not more than 3.0 percent. Virtually any indoor application including shower walls and floors. Outdoors in areas that do not freeze. Imper­vious Water absorption of 0.5 percent or less. Any indoor or outdoor application.You are looking for tile rated Vitreous. But, keep in mind that Sophie Wheeler is absolutely right about the need for careful installation. Even properly rated tile will cause water problems down the road if it is poorly installed. We use the Kerdi installation method in preference to the older cementitious backer board method. It's a little faster and a lot more durable. For more information on how to buy ceramic and porcelain tile, seePorcelaain vs. Ceramic Tile: Is there a difference?

A copper soaking tub might interest you. Ceramic isn't nearly as durable as porcelain. I'd keep looking to find both wall and floor tile that is all porcelain for such a heavily-used area as a bathroom. You don't need contrast with your floor in such a small space. Keep it all the same pattern. We just redid our master bath with Happy Floors porcelain tile in a marble-look pattern and are thrilled with it. You can't just move plumbing like that. The whole shower drain through your foundation would need to be re-routed not to mention that wall being gutted to the studs and likely other foundation work for tubing additions. You might as well build on a new bathroom for what that hassle and expense would cost you.