Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Albufeira?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Albufeira, 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: Ephesus or Albufeira?
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).
Albufeira
Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Albufeira $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is $158. 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 Ephesus and Albufeira in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Albufeira $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Albufeira $158
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Albufeira
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Albufeira? 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: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Albufeira Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Albufeira $37
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
- Private transfer from Albufeira to Lisbon with 2 hours sightseeing: $283
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $164
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $140
- Private Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Faro (FAO) Airport: $132
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
- Transfer Alcantarilha - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $99
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
- Transfer Galé - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
- Transfer Albufeira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
- Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Albufeira?
Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Ephesus 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 dayEphesus $33Albufeira $51
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
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Albufeira.
- A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
- Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
- Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
- Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
- Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
- 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
- Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Albufeira $41
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
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Algarve Coast & Chapel of Bones ( Private Van Tour ): $52
- Safari Experience with Traditional Tapas: $76
- 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura: $33
- 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
- Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
- Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour: $44
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $49
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $35
- Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $65
- Albufeira 6-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour: $202
- Albufeira Algarve 4Hours Benagil Tasting Experience: $96
- Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise : $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Albufeira $28
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
- Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
- Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
- Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
- Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
- Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
- From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
- Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107
When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Ephesus Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Albufeira?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Albufeira, 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 Ephesus or Albufeira?
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 Ephesus or Albufeira in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Albufeira. Additionally, most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Ephesus usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Albufeira. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Albufeira 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Albufeira in the Autumn?
Both Albufeira and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Albufeira averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Albufeira 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Albufeira in the Winter?
Both Albufeira and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
In January, Ephesus is generally cooler than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Albufeira. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Albufeira 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Albufeira in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Albufeira. Also, many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Albufeira 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Albufeira and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Albufeira | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.