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

Should you visit Ephesus or Arles?

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

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

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).

Arles

Arles is a city (and commune) in the south of France, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. A large part of the Camargue is located on the territory of the commune, making it the largest commune in Metropolitan France in terms of territory. The city has a long history, and was considerably important in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. The Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh lived in Arles from 1888 to 1889 and produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time there. The Arles area is full of culture and rich in history. It has many treasures, points of interest, and colorful sunbaked houses and is a great introduction into the Camarguais culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Arles is $152. 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 Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Arles $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Arles $152
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Arles? 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 Arles


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 Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Arles $24

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 Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles 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 $33
    Arles $55
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • Dessert
    $0.17
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.59
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    $4.82
  • Ice Cream
    $1.07

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Arles $33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    $5.89

Tours and Activities in Arles

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

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $187
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $342
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,176
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $299
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $84
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $70
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $106
  • Half Day Private Guided Tour of Arles: $202
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $218
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Arles $26
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:

  • 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 Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.20


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Arles, we can see that Arles 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 Arles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Arles?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Arles. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arles because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Arles averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Arles. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Arles. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

In October, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Arles. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Arles fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Arles during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Arles. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Arles. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Arles in the Winter?

Both Arles and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Arles in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Arles fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Arles. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Arles. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Arles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Arles. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Arles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Arles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arles 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 Arles during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Arles. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Ephesus

Ephesus Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)