Which place is cheaper, Dubrovnik or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Dubrovnik?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
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).
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Dubrovnik $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Dubrovnik is $103. 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 Dubrovnik in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Dubrovnik $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Dubrovnik $106
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Dubrovnik
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Dubrovnik? 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 Dubrovnik Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Dubrovnik $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
- Private Transfer From Kusadasi to Pamukkale: $196
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
- Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $164
- Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
- Kusadasi to Pamukkale Hotels Private Transfer: $136
- 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
- VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
- Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubrovnik:
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Bus Around Town$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik
Also for Dubrovnik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Zagreb - Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik - Zagreb: $1,030
- From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $588
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $558
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $542
- Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $535
- Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $535
- Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $451
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $451
- Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $428
- Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $391
- Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $385
- One Way Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Split: $372
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Dubrovnik?
Prices for flights to both Dubrovnik 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 $33Dubrovnik $35
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
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubrovnik:
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Seafood Dinner (for 2)$31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
- Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
- Old Town Food Tour: $143
- Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
- Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
- Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $178
- Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
- Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
- Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
- Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
- Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
- Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Dubrovnik $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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik
For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)$14
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Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)$56
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Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)$48
Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubrovnik.
- MONTENEGRO TOUR from Dubrovnik: $104
- 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $58
- 1 Hour Shared Dubrovnik Guided Walking Tour : $26
- 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $20
- 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $22
- 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $108
- 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $44
- 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $85
- Adventure Dubrovnik - Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour: $33
- Adventure Park Cadmos Village from Dubrovnik: $65
- Afternoon Sea Kayaking Tour With a Local Guide: $38
- Aphrodisiac Experience in Mali Ston: Private Tour: $556
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Dubrovnik $15
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 Dubrovnik
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubrovnik:
- Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
- Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
- From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
- Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
- Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
- Interactive Wine Tour: $80
- Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
- Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
- Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
- Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97
- Korcula & Peljesac Wine Tasting Group Tour from Dubrovnik: $105
- From Half-Day Wine Tasting and Cavtat City Tour: $112
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Dubrovnik, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Dubrovnik Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Dubrovnik?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?
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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?
Both Dubrovnik and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 25°C (77°F).
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?
Both Dubrovnik and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Dubrovnik in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Dubrovnik. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.
Ephesus is a little warmer than Dubrovnik in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dubrovnik. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Dubrovnik in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Dubrovnik. Also, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Dubrovnik | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 178 mm (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.