Which place is cheaper, Ephesus or Eilat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Eilat or Ephesus?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Eilat or Ephesus? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Eilat or Ephesus?
Eilat
Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.
Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.
Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.
Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, 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 dayEilat $142Ephesus $143
The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $142, 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 Eilat and Ephesus in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEilat $94Ephesus $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEilat $188Ephesus $140
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Ephesus
Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Ephesus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eilat $13Ephesus $51
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
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Local Bus$3.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat
Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
- Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vip Transfer Kusadasi To/From Izmir Airport: $67
- Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $186
- Transfer: $66
- Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $174
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Port to Adnan Menderes Airport ADB: $64
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58
Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Ephesus?
Prices for flights to both Ephesus and Eilat 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 dayEilat $36Ephesus $33
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.Eilat $16Ephesus $59
Tours and Activities in Eilat
For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
- 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
- Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
- From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $65
- Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
- Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
- Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
- Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
- Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
- Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299
- Private Scuba Diving Tour with Transportation and Guide : $220
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: $77
- Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
- Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $200
- Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
- Private Pergamum Tour from Izmir or Kusadasi: $274
- Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
- Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
- ( Skip The Line - Max 10 Pax) Small Group Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers : $25
- -e Bike Tour Through Vineyards with Ephesus Visit: $120
- 2 Days Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour: $191
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEilat $27Ephesus $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 Eilat 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. Even though Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Ephesus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eilat or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Eilat. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Ephesus?
Ephesus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Eilat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Eilat or Ephesus in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Ephesus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round.
Eilat can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Eilat is generally a little warmer than Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 33°C (91°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ephesus during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ephesus receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEilat 33°C (91°F)Ephesus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Ephesus in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Ephesus. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Eilat is a little warmer than Ephesus in the autumn. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Ephesus fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Eilat this time of the year. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Ephesus. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 232 hours of full sun.
Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Ephesus. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 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 OctoberEilat 26°C (79°F)Ephesus 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Ephesus in the Winter?
Both Ephesus and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year.
In the winter, Eilat is a little warmer than Ephesus. Typically, the winter temperatures in Eilat in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Ephesus averages at about 10°C (50°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Ephesus during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ephesus receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Ephesus. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryEilat 14°C (57°F)Ephesus 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Ephesus in the Spring?
Both Ephesus and Eilat during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Eilat is generally much warmer than Ephesus. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 24°C (75°F), and Ephesus fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Ephesus. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ephesus receives 231 hours of full sun.
Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Ephesus. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 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 AprilEilat 24°C (75°F)Ephesus 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Ephesus and Eilat
| Eilat | Ephesus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.