Which place is cheaper, Cairo or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Cairo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Cairo, 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 Cairo?
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).
Cairo
Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, and The Best Historical Tours in Egypt.
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Ephesus Prices
Turkey PricesCairo Prices
Egypt Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $118Cairo $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $118, while the average daily cost in Cairo is $30. 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 Cairo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $49Cairo $10
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $98Cairo $20
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Cairo
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Cairo? 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 Cairo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $36Cairo $3.46
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: $177
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $124
- Didim Quad or Buggy Safari Adventure Tour with Return Transfers: $75
- From-to Izmir AirPort to-from Kusadası Private Airport Transfer: $90
- Horse Riding Experience in Kusadasi for Everyone with Transfers: $46
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Kusadasi Centrum (All hotels, home...) transfers: $94
- Kusadasi & National Park Boat Tours with Lunch and Transfer: $38
- Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $55
- Kusadasi Buggy Adventure Tour with Hotel Transfer: $59
- Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $45
- Kusadasi Buggy Safari Adventure Included Transfer: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:
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Metro Ride$0.08
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Taxi Ride$0.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:
- From Guided 4 Day Cairo & Red Sea Tour with Transfer: $1,440
- Private Day Trip to Luxor with Transfers and Flights: $791
- Cairo To Marsa Alam Private Transfer: $511
- From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $489
- 1 Day Aswan Abu Simple Tour with Transfer Included: $300
- 3-Days Private Guided Tour Package Covering all Cairo,Lunch and Airport Transfer: $300
- 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
- Private Pickup Transfers From Cairo To Luxor By Bus: $295
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Hurghada: $292
- Private One-Way Transfer to/from Sharm El-Sheikh: $292
- Private Transfer Cairo to Hurghada: $290
- Private Transfer from Cairo City Hotels to Ain Sokhna Cruise Port: $283
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Cairo?
Prices for flights to both Cairo 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 $41Cairo $16
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
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Sandwiches$0.11
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Dessert$0.12
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Lunch at Beach (for 2)$0.41
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Snacks$0.17
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 & Cooking Experience with locals: $160
- Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $236
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $300
Typical Food Prices in Cairo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:
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Juice$0.04
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cairo.
- Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $4.00
- Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $6.30
- Cairo dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $6.30
- Cairo Food Tour – Discover Hidden Downtown Gems: $7.20
- Cairo Dinner Cruise in Nile River With Belly Dancer & Tanora show: $7.20
- night-tour Nile dinner cruise with open buffet and belly dancer: $7.20
- Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $8.00
- Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise Belly Dancer Tanora Show Dinner Buffet: $8.10
- Giza pyramids, Sphinx, ATV bike,Camel ride,Dinner cruise&shopping: $8.10
- Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, Nile Dinner Cruise: $8.10
- Cairo Food Tour in local places & Egyptian Mint Tea: $8.10
- Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $41Cairo $8.27
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Best-Seller PRIVATE EPHESUS & SHOPPING Tour FOR CRUISERS: $5.90
- Private Ephesus Tour from Cruise Port - Lunch & Skip The Lines: $7.00
- Skip-the-Line Ephesus Tour with Lunch: $7.08
- Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $9.90
- Small Group Tour Ephesus and House of Mary with Lunch: $10
- FOR CRUISERS: Best of Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi port: $11
- Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $11
- Skip the Line: Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest: $12
- Kusadasi Walking City and Shopping Tour from Kusadasi Port: $12
- Private Ephesus and Temple of Artemis Tour from Kusadasi Port: $13
- Skip-the-Line Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers with Opt Tickets: $13
- Private Ephesus Shore Excursion from Kusadasi with Ticket Option: $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo
Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Camel Market for Two$0.76
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Egyptian Museum Entry for Two$5.89
Tours and Activities in Cairo
Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- "Private Half-Day Tour to the Giza Pyramids Saqqara and Memphis: $25
- "The Great Pyramids & Grand Museum: Luxury Private Day Tour": $60
- (Egypt jewel) Day Tour To Giza Pyramids, Museum, Mosque &Felucca: $55
- 01 Day Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $246
- 01 Day Tour to Pyramids , Museum and Khan Elkhalili: $217
- 1 Day Private Tour from Hurghada to Cairo: $218
- 1 Day Private Tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $100
- 1 Day tour to Alexandria from Cairo: $30
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour Around Giza Pyramids: $30
- 1 Hour ATV Quad Bike Private Tour around Giza Pyramids: $38
- 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
- 1 Hour Adventure In The Nile River By Nile Taxi In Cairo: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $10Cairo $1.34
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$0.09
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 Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting: $21
- PRIVATE & GROUP: EPHESUS TOUR with Wine Tasting (SKIP-THE-LINE): $29
- LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $30
- FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $34
- Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
- FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
- POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
- Wine Tasting-Village Shore Excursion from Kusadasi Port: $50
- Sirince Village and Wine Tour with Artemis Temple: $58
- Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours: $70
- Private Ephesus and Sirince Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $92
- FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus Ruins & Sirince Village Wine Tasting Tour: $99
Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:
- Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Cairo, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Cairo is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Ephesus would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ephesus than you might in Cairo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Cairo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Cairo?
Cairo has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Cairo, 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 Cairo?
Ephesus has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cairo experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Ephesus or Cairo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Cairo. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cairo throughout the year.
In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Cairo. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairo fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cairo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Cairo. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 350 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cairo. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Cairo 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Cairo in the Autumn?
Both Cairo and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Cairo because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Ephesus is cooler than Cairo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cairo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Cairo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Cairo during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 290 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Cairo. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Cairo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Cairo in the Winter?
Both Cairo and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cairo year-round.
In the winter, Ephesus is cooler than Cairo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Cairo averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Cairo. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairo receives 221 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Cairo. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Cairo 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Cairo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Cairo. Cairo attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Ephesus is generally cooler than Cairo. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Cairo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cairo this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Cairo during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Cairo receives 276 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Cairo. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cairo receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Cairo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Cairo and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Cairo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.