Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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).
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Bilbao $28
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 Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $33Bilbao $48
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 Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Bilbao $31
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 Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
- 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Bilbao $23
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 Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246
When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Bilbao?
Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.
In January, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Bilbao. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Bilbao. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.