Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Dresden?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Dresden, 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 Dresden?
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).
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
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 Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Dresden $145
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Dresden is $145. 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 Dresden in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Dresden $66
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Dresden $132
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Dresden
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Dresden? 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 Dresden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Dresden $11
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 Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $158
- One-Way Transfer from Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $146
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - First Class: $136
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $83
- Airport transfer from/to DRESDEN (DRS) - Business Van: $77
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Dresden?
Prices for flights to both Dresden 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 $33Dresden $33
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 Dresden
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dresden.
- Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $51
- Winterlights Evening River Cruise with Dinner: $59
- Dinner-Show "INDUSTRIELLE REVOLUTION": $117
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Dresden $10
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 Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hour GDR Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
- 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden: $44
- 2 day ticket Grand City Tour Hop on Hop off 22 stops: $24
- 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery: $300
- Astonishing Dresden - Guided Walking Tour: $427
- Bad Schandau Scooter Tour in Saxon, Switzerland: $52
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour: $171
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour: $171
- Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Winter Tour: $171
- Bicycle tour of Dresden: $32
- Big Sightseeing Tour in Dresden with Liveguide: $21
- Big city tour hop on hop off 22 stops: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Dresden $17
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 Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden Bike Tour with Wine Tasting: $53
- Radeberger Brewery Tour in German: $57
- Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Dresden, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Dresden?
Dresden has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Dresden, 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 Dresden?
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 Dresden in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Dresden. Additionally, most visitors come to Dresden for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Dresden averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Dresden. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Dresden 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Dresden in the Autumn?
Both Dresden and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dresden because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Dresden. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Dresden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Dresden. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Dresden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Dresden in the Winter?
Both Dresden and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dresden this time of year.
It's quite cold in Dresden in the winter. Ephesus is much warmer than Dresden in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Dresden fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Dresden. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Dresden 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Dresden in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Dresden. Also, many travelers come to Dresden for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Ephesus is much warmer than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Dresden averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Dresden. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Dresden 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Dresden and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Dresden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.