Should you visit Ephesus or Ankara?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Ankara, 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 Ankara?
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).
Ankara
Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.
Which place is cheaper, Ankara or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $162, while the average daily cost in Ankara is $131. 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 Ankara in more detail.
Accommodation
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Ankara? 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
Ankara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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
-
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:
$66
-
Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer:
$30
-
Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service:
$40
-
Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer:
$50
-
Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers:
$93
-
Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer:
$48
-
Kusadasi Private Arrival Port Transfer:
$32
-
Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport:
$101
Typical Local Transportation prices in Ankara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:
-
Metro Ride
$0.04
-
Short Taxi Ride
$0.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Amasra Town:
$401
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Safranbolu Town:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Cappadocia Region:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Konya City:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Eskişehir City:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Hattusa Ancient City:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Abant National Park:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kartalkaya Ski Resort:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Ilgaz National Park:
$335
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town:
$185
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town:
$185
-
Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City:
$185
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Ankara?
Prices for flights to both Ankara 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 $38
Ankara $37
Typical Food prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
-
Sandwiches
$0.17
-
Dessert
$0.19
-
Lunch at Beach (for 2)
$0.66
-
Snacks
$0.28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Private Shore Excursion: Ephesus and Turkish Cooking Experience:
$91
-
Ancient Ephesus and Cooking Class Private Tour from Kusadasi:
$91
-
Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus:
$120
-
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
-
Gourmet & Street Food Tour: Taste the Excellence at Kusadasi & Selcuk:
$239
Typical Food prices in Ankara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:
Entertainment
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
-
Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Highlights:
$6.64
-
SKIP THE LINE : Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Temple Group Tour:
$9.99
-
EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR (Car & Guide):
$9.99
-
Skip The Lines : Ephesus Mini Group Tour with Private Option:
$15
-
Kusadasi Traditional Turkish Bath Hamam Experience :
$18
-
Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean:
$18
-
Journey Through Time on Ephesus:Affordable,Spectacular Experience:
$20
-
Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure:
$20
-
Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts:
$20
-
For Cruisers: Best of Ephesus Skip-The-Line Tour:
$20
-
Ephesus, House of Mary, Artemis Temple Tour with lunch:
$20
-
Economic Explorer Ephesus Tour:
$22
Typical Entertainment prices in Ankara
Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Tours and Activities in Ankara
Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
20-Day St.Paul Missionary Tour:
$4,352
-
8-Day EcoTourism Turkey Tour:
$1,090
-
Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide:
$220
-
Family-Friendly Smartphone Walking Tour:
$6.00
-
Inns and Baths City Sightseeing Mobile Audio Guide:
$6.00
-
Private Tour with a Local:
$38
-
Quick Tour, Essentials of Ankara:
$6.00
-
Cappadocia and Central Anatolia Tour with Professional Tour Guide:
$785
-
Daily Ankara Tour:
$471
-
Daily Hattusas / Boğazköy Tour:
$358
-
From Private Cappadocia & Underground City Tour:
$343
-
Full Day Cappadocia Private Tour:
$450
Alcohol
Typical Alcohol prices in Ephesus
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex:
$40
-
Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion:
$52
-
Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours :
$61
-
Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House:
$108
-
Ephesus Tour for Cruise Guests: Highlights with Wine Tasting:
$139
-
Ancient Ephesus Private Tour Kusadasi with Wine Tasting at Seven Sages Vinery:
$156
-
Ancient Ephesus Private Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi:
$338
-
Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van:
$469
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Ankara, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Ankara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ankara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ankara 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 Ankara.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Ankara?
Ankara is bigger, and its population is about 55.7 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the population of Ephesus vs. Ankara, 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 and the activities that interest you.
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