Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Chania?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Chania or Ephesus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Ephesus, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Chania or Ephesus?
Chania
Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. Chania is Crete's most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter, crisscrossed by narrow lanes, culminating at a magnificent harbor. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman influences. On the other side, the Nautical Museum has model ships, naval objects and photographs. The former monastery of St. Francis houses the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture abound, with old townhouses now transformed into atmospheric restaurants and boutique hotels. Although all this beauty means the old town is packed with tourists in summer, it's still a great place to unwind. The Venetian Harbor is super for a stroll and a coffee or cocktail. Plus it’s got a university and a modern area to the city, which means that it retains its charm in winter. Indie boutiques and an entire lane dedicated to leather products provide good shopping and, with a multitude of creative restaurants, you’ll likely have some of your best meals on Crete here.
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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChania €93Ephesus €134
The average daily cost (per person) in Chania is €93, 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 Chania and Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChania €46Ephesus €65
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChania €92Ephesus €130
Compare Hotels in Chania and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Chania 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: Chania Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chania €15Ephesus €48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chania
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:
- One-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $7,914
- Private Transfer minivan transport in Creta: $616
- Chania to Faistos Palace Private Transfer Full Day Tour: $529
- Chania to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Private Transfer: $529
- Chania to Irini Gorge & Sougia Village: Private Transfer: $406
- Chania to Imbros Gorge Private Full Day Transfer: $364
- Heraklion Cruise Port: Transfer to Chania city hotels: $351
- Chania Int Airport (CHQ): Transfer to Heraklion Cruise Port: $351
- Chania to Elafonissi Beach/ Cretan Villages Private Transfer: $332
- Balos Beach Private Roundtrip Transfer with Free Time: $235
- Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Rethymno with Transfer your Hotel: $228
- Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $224
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $164
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115
- Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
- From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $75
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $65
- Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
- Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
- Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
- Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
- Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Chania 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 dayChania €32Ephesus €31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chania
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chania.
- The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $87
- CHANIA WALKING FOOD TOURS – 3 HOUR WALKING TOUR: $107
- CHANIA CRETE COOKING CLASSES – 3 HOURS: $107
- Chania Cooking Class-The Authentic: $118
- Guided Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $123
- From The Ultimate Food Tour Of Chania Villages: $123
- Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner: $127
- From Agioi Theodoroi Catamaran Dinner Cruise: $127
- Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour: $128
- Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour - Chania: $131
- Horse riding,falasarna sunset,dinner in a tavern,drone video: $214
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
-
Sandwiches€0.14
-
Dessert€0.16
-
Lunch at Beach (for 2)€0.55
-
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chania €21Ephesus €55
Tours and Activities in Chania
Here are a few actual costs in Chania for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cretan Night Show Tour From Rethymnon: $54
- Private Tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna: $131
- 6-Hours Safari Tour in Damnoni and Skinaria Beach, from Plakias: $37
- All Day Family Tour to Rethymno & Kournas Lake | JMP Tours: $352
- All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania: $279
- Amazing Crete - Elafonisi, Day Tour: $557
- Authentic Wine & Food Tastings - PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch: $158
- Avra, full day sailing cruise: $749
- Avra, half - day sailing cruise: $535
- Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch: $164
- Chania Alternative Sunset Bike Tour: $47
- Chania Battle of Crete Private Tour: WW2 Military History: $144
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- For Cruisers: Skip-the-line Private Free Ephesus Tour : $0.05
- 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 : $17
- SKIP THE LINE :Best Seller Ephesus Private Tour For Cruiser Guest: $19
- Private & Mini Group Classical Ephesus Tour For Cruisers: $19
- Skip the Line - Best of Ephesus: $19
- Time Travel in Affordable and Spectacular Experience: $20
- Best of Ephesus Guided Tour For Cruise Guest : $20
- Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts: $20
- Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayChania €18Ephesus €14
Sample the Local Flavors in Chania
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chania:
- Cretan wine tasting, hosted in French: $91
- Milia Mountain Tour w/Lunch Olive Oil/Wine Tastings: $144
- Wines, Olives, and History: A Private Wine Tour from Chania: $791
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
-
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Ephesus, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania 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 Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus than you might in Chania.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chania or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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 Chania or Ephesus?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Chania or Ephesus in the Summer?
Both Ephesus and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun.
Chania usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ephesus. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyChania 26°C (80°F)Ephesus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chania or Ephesus in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Ephesus. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year.
Chania is around the same temperature as Ephesus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. Chania usually receives less sunshine than Ephesus during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Ephesus. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChania 20°C (68°F)Ephesus 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Chania or Ephesus in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Ephesus. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Chania is a little warmer than Ephesus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Ephesus averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Chania often gets less sunshine than Ephesus. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ephesus. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChania 12°C (54°F)Ephesus 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Chania or Ephesus in the Spring?
Both Ephesus and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Chania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ephesus. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilChania 17°C (62°F)Ephesus 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Ephesus and Chania
| Chania | Ephesus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.