A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Ephesus vs. Antalya for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Antalya?

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

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

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).

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Antalya or Ephesus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $159, while the average daily cost in Antalya is $156. 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 Antalya in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $66
    Antalya $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $132
    Antalya $104
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Antalya

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Antalya? 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.

Hotels in Ephesus


Hotels in Antalya


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 Antalya Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $48
    Antalya $104

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: $115
  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $175
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $57
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $211
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $122
  • 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: $65
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi: $100
  • Private Transfer Kusadasi, Port, Hotel From/To Izmir Airport: $74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

Also for Antalya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ANTALYA:Private Transfer Cappadocia & Antalya City Center: $536
  • antalya to cappadocia/cappadocia to antalya private transfer: $485
  • Private Transfer from Antalya Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit: $402
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Konyaalti Transfer - Bus/Coach: $297
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kaleici Transfer - Bus/Coach: $297
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Manavgat Transfer - Comfort: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Lara Transfer - SUV: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - SUV: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - SUV: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Beldibi Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Antalya?

Prices for flights to both Antalya 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 $55
    Antalya $42
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • 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:

  • PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR: LOCAL Street Food Tour from Kusadasi PORT: $99
  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $144
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $169
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $213

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $40
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $66
  • Suluada Island Cruise with Dinner and Sunset: $70
  • Giza Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Dinner: $74

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $55
    Antalya $43

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Ancient City of Ephesus §The Virgin Mary's House Tour For Cruise: $19
  • Classical Ephesus Tour For Cruisers: $16
  • Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
  • Ephesus PrivateTours from Cruise Port Kusadasi Shore Excursions : $10
  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $150
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Tour From Kusadasi Port : $19
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour for Cruisers : $21
  • Ephesus private skip line tour from the cruise port: $27
  • Private Pergamum Tour from Izmir or Kusadasi: $277
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $64
  • "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30
  • "private Ephesus tours "" wholesaler Shop Tours ""from cruise port Kusadasi ": $10

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Antalya City Tour: $67
  • Aphrodisias and Pamukkale with Balloon Ride from Antalya 2 Days Tour: $165
  • Full Day Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch Included: $61
  • Full Day Tour in Altınbeşik Cave and Ürünlü : $109
  • Full-Day Adventure 3 in 1 activity from Antalya to Köprülü Canyon National Park: $53
  • Side Sunset Cruise: Ancient History and Mesmerizing Sunsets: $121
  • Tour of waterfall (unıque): $72
  • "Tazi Canyon and Rafting: Thrilling Adventure: $50
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya: $70
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya /w Cave Hotel & Balloon Ride: $66
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya With Cave Hotel Overnight: $70
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Antalya: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $14
    Antalya $19
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:

  • PRIVATE & GROUP: Skip-The-Line EPHESUS with Wine Tasting Tour: $30
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $110
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting & Lunch: $111
  • Full-Day Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $150


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Antalya, 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. 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 Antalya Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Antalya?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Antalya, 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 Antalya?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ephesus or Antalya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Antalya. Also, most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Antalya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Antalya averages at about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 376 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Antalya. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Antalya 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Antalya in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Antalya. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Antalya. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Antalya. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 251 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Antalya. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Antalya 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Antalya in the Winter?

Both Antalya and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Antalya in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Antalya fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Antalya during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Antalya. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Antalya 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Antalya in the Spring?

Both Antalya and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Antalya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Antalya averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 243 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Antalya. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Antalya 16°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Antalya and Ephesus

Ephesus Antalya
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in)