Which place is cheaper, Bucharest or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ephesus or Bucharest?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Bucharest, 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 Bucharest?
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).
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Bucharest $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Bucharest is $137. 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 Bucharest in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Bucharest $63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Bucharest $126
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Bucharest
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Bucharest? 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 Bucharest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Bucharest $26
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 Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest to Sofia - Private Transfer: $580
- Bucharest to Sofia Private Transfer: $448
- Bucharest to Mihail Kogalniceanu - Private Transfer: $344
- Mihail Kogalniceanu to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $344
- Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo - Private Transfer: $322
- Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer: $322
- Bucharest to Craiova - Private Transfer: $301
- Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $288
- Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $283
- Bucharest to Tulcea - Private Guided Transfer - Driver and Car : $283
- Bucharest to Galati - Driver and Car - Private Guided Transfer : $272
- Bucharest to Constanta or Mamaia Beach - Private Transfer - Car and Driver: $272
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Bucharest?
Prices for flights to both Bucharest 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 dayEphesus $33Bucharest $58
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Cooking Class traditional food: $65
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
- Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Bucharest $15
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 Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $249
- Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $93
- Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $93
- 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $173
- 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $207
- 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $258
- 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,724
- 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $558
- 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $98
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Bucharest City: $87
- 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $251
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Dracula's Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, Sighisoara and Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary with Overnight in Brasov: $203
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Bucharest $9.17
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 Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84
When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Bucharest, 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 Bucharest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Bucharest?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Bucharest, 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 Bucharest?
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 Bucharest in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Bucharest. Also, many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Bucharest in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Bucharest fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 289 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Bucharest. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Bucharest 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bucharest in the Autumn?
Both Bucharest and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Bucharest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bucharest averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Bucharest 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bucharest in the Winter?
Both Bucharest and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Bucharest. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Bucharest fluctuates around -1°C (29°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Bucharest. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bucharest receives 71 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Bucharest. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Bucharest -1°C (29°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Bucharest in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Bucharest. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Bucharest in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Bucharest fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Bucharest during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Bucharest receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Bucharest. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bucharest receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Bucharest 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bucharest and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Bucharest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.