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

Should you visit Ephesus or Caen?

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

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

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).

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is $132. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Caen $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Caen $130
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Caen? 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 Caen


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 Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Caen $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • 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: $173
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

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

  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen $43
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Caen $20

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
  • Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
  • Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
  • Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
  • Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
  • Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
  • Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
  • Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
  • Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
  • "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30

Tours and Activities in Caen

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

  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
  • D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.: $268
  • From Caen or Bayeux: Normandy History Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Caen $18
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


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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Caen. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Caen. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Caen. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

Ephesus is much warmer than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Caen. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Caen. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In April, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Caen. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Ephesus

Ephesus Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)