Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Ephesus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Ephesus can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Ephesus?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Ephesus $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is $143. 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 Abu Dhabi and Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Ephesus $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Ephesus $140
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Ephesus? 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.
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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Ephesus $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Private Transfer from Qasr Al Sarab to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $274
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $274
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $274
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $274
- Ferrari world & Warner bros. parks with transfer from Dubai: $250
- Abu Dhabi Helicopter Ride with optional Private Transfers: $222
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $212
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Dubai in Luxury Van: $202
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
- Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
- Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
- Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
- Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
- Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $63
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Port to Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $64
- Transfer: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Abu Dhabi 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
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Ephesus $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Dubai Best Dhow Cruise Dinner Marina: $46
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches$0.15
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Dessert$0.17
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)$0.59
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Snacks$0.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
- Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Ephesus $59
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Falcon Hospital Tour with Transportation : $101
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43
- Abu Dhabi City Tour: $186
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Highlights: $6.53
- Entry Free: Drive by Ephesus and Ancient Wonder Tour: $12
- Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $17
- Kusadasi Traditional Turkish Bath Hamam Experience : $18
- Half-Day Ancient City of Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port: $18
- Private Ephesus and Shopping Tour for Cruisers Only: $18
- Skip the Line:Private& Small Group Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $19
- Skip the Line - Best of Ephesus: $19
- Time Travel in Affordable and Spectacular Experience: $20
- Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure: $20
- Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts: $20
- Best of Ephesus Guided Tour For Cruise Guest : $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Ephesus $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
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Beer$0.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $54
- Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
- Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $131
- Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
- Full-Day Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $149
- Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $218
When comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Ephesus, we can see that Abu Dhabi 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. Even though Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Ephesus is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Ephesus?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Ephesus, 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 Abu Dhabi or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ephesus in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Ephesus. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Ephesus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Ephesus averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets less sunshine than Ephesus. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets more rain in July than Ephesus. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Ephesus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ephesus in the Autumn?
Both Ephesus and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
In October, Abu Dhabi is generally much warmer than Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Ephesus 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ephesus in the Winter?
Both Ephesus and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Ephesus in the winter. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Ephesus fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Ephesus. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun.
Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Ephesus. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Ephesus 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Ephesus in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Ephesus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
In the spring, Abu Dhabi is much warmer than Ephesus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Abu Dhabi in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Ephesus averages at about 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Ephesus 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Ephesus and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Ephesus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.