Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Carcassonne?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?
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).
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Carcassonne $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is $114. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Carcassonne $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Carcassonne $130
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Carcassonne
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Carcassonne $7.65
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Carcassonne?
Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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 $33Carcassonne $41
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Carcassonne $15
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 Carcassonne
For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
- Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
- Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
- Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
- 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
- Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
- Fortress Walking Tour: $171
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
- Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
- Photoshoot Experience: $160
- Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Carcassonne $14
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 Carcassonne
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:
- Wine tour Cathar country: $471
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Carcassonne, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Carcassonne?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?
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 Carcassonne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Carcassonne. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Carcassonne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Carcassonne. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Carcassonne. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Carcassonne in the Winter?
Both Carcassonne and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.
In the winter, Ephesus is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Carcassonne in the Spring?
Both Carcassonne and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.
In April, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Carcassonne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.