Should I Visit Ephesus or Alexandria for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Ephesus or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?

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).

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.

Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Ephesus Prices
Turkey Prices

Alexandria Prices
Egypt Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Ephesus $153

Alexandria $20

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $153, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $20. 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 Alexandria in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Ephesus $64

Alexandria $7.51
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Ephesus $128

Alexandria $15

Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Alexandria? 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 Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Ephesus $47

Alexandria $2.34

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: $157
Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $112
Ephesus Private Guided Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $80
From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $55
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $73
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 Horse Riding Beach and Forest with Transfer : $58
Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $90
Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $89

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:

Taxi to Train Station

$0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $251
Private transfer from Alexandria to Luxor: $246
Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $84
Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $80
Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $75
Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $75
Private Transfer from Alexandria City hotels to Alexandria Port : $47
Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $19
Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria 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

Food Meals for one day

Ephesus $53

Alexandria $10

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)

$0.54
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:

Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $203

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $20
Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45
Alexandria food Tour taste the Egyptian traditional food: $60
From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Ephesus $53

Alexandria $3.28

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.

Ephesus VIP Private Shore Excursion with Skip the Line Ticket: $5.60
Private Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Cruise Port: $7.00
PRIVATE or GROUP: Ephesus, Temple of Artemis WITH ENTRY TICKET: $8.00
Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $8.91
For Cruise Guests: Best of Ephesus Tour: $9.42
For Cruisers: Ancient Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour From Ephesus Port: $9.45
For Cruisers: Best of Ephesus & Shopping Tour: $9.45
For Cruisers: Religious Ephesus Shore Excursion From Kusadasi Port: $9.45
FOR CRUISERS PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: Included TICKETS + LUNCH: $9.45
Ephesus § Mary's House Tour For Cruiser WITH ENTRANCE TICKETS: $9.90
For Cruisers: Hidden Sights of Ephesus Tour: $9.97
PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: Skip-the-Line & ON-TIME Return to Cruise: $10

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
8Days Egypt Tour package UltraLuxury Cairo,Alexandria&cruise: $4,190
Alamein and Alexandria Private Day Tour with Lunch: $200
Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $130
Alexandria : Tour to WadiElNatroun Monastery from Alexandria: $150
Alexandria By Night Private Free Walking Tours & Horse Carriage Ride: $75
Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour: $55
Alexandria By Night Private Tour By Horse Carriage Ride And Free Walking Tour : $55
Alexandria City Tour from Cairo Full Day: $56
Alexandria Day Tour: $110
Alexandria Day tour from Alexandria: $120

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Ephesus $14

Alexandria $1.27

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:

Beer

$0.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

PRIVATE & GROUP: Skip-The-Line EPHESUS with Wine Tasting Tour: $12
Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $169
Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $176
Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $208

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Alexandria, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Alexandria is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Alexandria Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?

Ephesus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Alexandria. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

In the summer, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Alexandria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Alexandria. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Summer Average Temperatures July

Ephesus 27°C (81°F)

Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ephesus because of the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Ephesus is generally cooler than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In October, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Ephesus 19°C (66°F)

Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

Ephesus is cooler than Alexandria in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Alexandria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Winter Average Temperatures January

Ephesus 10°C (50°F)

Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Alexandria. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Ephesus is cooler than Alexandria. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Alexandria averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In April, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Spring Average Temperatures April

Ephesus 15°C (59°F)

Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Ephesus

	Ephesus		Alexandria
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	10°C (50°F)	149 mm (5.9 in)	13°C (55°F)	50 mm (2 in)
Feb	10°C (50°F)	103 mm (4.1 in)	13°C (55°F)	40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar	12°C (53°F)	86 mm (3.4 in)	16°C (61°F)	20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr	15°C (59°F)	32 mm (1.3 in)	19°C (66°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
May	19°C (67°F)	16 mm (0.6 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun	24°C (75°F)	3 mm (0.1 in)	23°C (73°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul	27°C (81°F)	1 mm (0 in)	26°C (79°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug	27°C (81°F)	1 mm (0 in)	27°C (81°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep	24°C (75°F)	23 mm (0.9 in)	25°C (77°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct	19°C (66°F)	29 mm (1.1 in)	22°C (72°F)	10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov	14°C (58°F)	110 mm (4.3 in)	19°C (66°F)	30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec	12°C (53°F)	164 mm (6.5 in)	14°C (57°F)	50 mm (2 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Ephesus or Alexandria?

Ephesus

Alexandria

Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Ephesus?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Alexandria

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Alexandria?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Alexandria?

When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Alexandria?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Summer?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Winter?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Ephesus

Related Articles for Ephesus

Related Articles for Alexandria

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Alexandria?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Ephesus or Alexandria?

Ephesus

Alexandria

Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Ephesus?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Alexandria

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Alexandria?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Alexandria?

When is the best time to visit Ephesus or Alexandria?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Summer?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Winter?

Should I visit Ephesus or Alexandria in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Ephesus

Related Articles for Ephesus

Related Articles for Alexandria

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