Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Ephesus?
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 Athens and Ephesus. 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: Athens or Ephesus?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, 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 dayAthens €127Ephesus €134
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Ephesus is €134. 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 Athens and Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Ephesus €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Ephesus €130
Compare Hotels in Athens and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Ephesus €48
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
- Private Transfer From Kusadasi to Pamukkale: $196
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
- Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $164
- Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
- Kusadasi to Pamukkale Hotels Private Transfer: $136
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
- VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
- Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Ephesus €31
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches€0.14
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Dessert€0.16
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)€0.55
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Snacks€0.23
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
- Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
- 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.Athens €36Ephesus €55
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
- Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
- Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
- Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
- Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
- Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
- Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
- Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
- Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
- Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
- "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
- "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Ephesus €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
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: $53
- Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
- Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
- 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: $130
- Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
- Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300
When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Ephesus, we can see that Ephesus 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Ephesus?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Ephesus?
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 Athens or Ephesus in the Summer?
Both Ephesus and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Ephesus. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Ephesus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Athens or Ephesus in the Autumn?
Both Ephesus and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Athens is around the same temperature as Ephesus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets less sunshine than Ephesus. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in October than Ephesus. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Ephesus 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Athens or Ephesus in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Ephesus. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Ephesus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Ephesus averages at about 10°C (50°F).
Athens usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.
Ephesus receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Ephesus 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Athens or Ephesus in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Ephesus. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Ephesus. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Ephesus 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Ephesus and Athens
| Athens | Ephesus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.