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

Should you visit Ephesus or Edinburgh?

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

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

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).

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the moderately sized capital of Scotland. It is a medieval city that has managed to perfect the combination of Georgian architecture and medieval relics with a cosmopolitan population and avant-garde atmosphere. The city's population is quite young, in large part because of the University of Edinburgh. This youthful vibe gives this city a lot of vitality. There's a thriving nightlife, many restaurants, theatres, galleries and museums.

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 Edinburgh, and The Best 10-Day Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh is $177. 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 Edinburgh in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Edinburgh $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Edinburgh $184
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Edinburgh

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Edinburgh? 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 Edinburgh


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 Edinburgh Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Edinburgh $21

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Edinburgh

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:


  • Local Bus
    $4.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Edinburgh

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

  • Edinburgh to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
  • From Loch Ness Private Day Tour with Transfers: $750
  • Private Tour with transfer from Newhaven Cruise Port to Glasgow.: $298
  • Private Transfer from Edinburgh to Gleneagles Hotel : $279
  • Executive transfer from Edinburgh to St Andrews. : $266
  • Private Luxury Transfer Edinburgh (One Way - 7 Passengers): $256
  • Central Edinburgh Hotels to Edinburgh Airport Transfers 1-3: $255
  • Edinburgh to Stirling | Executive Transfer: $253
  • Edinburgh Train Station to Edinburgh Hotel Transfers 1-3 Pax: $250
  • Edinburgh to Glasgow Luxury Car Transfer: $241
  • Edinburgh to Gleneagles Luxury Taxi Transfer: $241
  • Glasgow to Edinburgh Luxury Car Transfer: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Edinburgh?

Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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
    Edinburgh $49
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

Typical Food Prices in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $11
  • Dinner at Filling Station
    $12
  • Lunch for Two
    $19
  • Sandwich
    $2.30
  • Cheese & bread
    $9.01
  • Thai Restaurant Dinner (for 2)
    $31
  • 2 Coffees and Scones
    $7.23
  • Turkish Delight
    $1.74
  • Soup at the Pub
    $7.35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Edinburgh

For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Scottish Dinner and Folk Music Experience: $87
  • Edinburgh Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $90
  • 'Scotland meets Sardinia' - 8-course Dinner in Leith, Edinburgh: $110
  • 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour: $116
  • Edinburgh Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $120
  • Edinburgh Food Tour with a Local Foodie Custom & Private: $167

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Edinburgh $25

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 Edinburgh

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Show Tickets
    $40
  • Movie Tickets for Two
    $15
  • Donation for Storytellers
    $7.47

Tours and Activities in Edinburgh

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

  • Edinburgh's Landscapes Tours with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized: $152
  • Walking Tour to Edinburgh Castle and Holyood palace: $25
  • 1.5 hour Firth of Forth Sightseeing cruise: $23
  • 2 Hour Holyrood Palace Private Walking Tour: $76
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Edinburgh: $260
  • 2-Day Inverness and the Highlands Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh: $227
  • 2-Day Loch Lomond, West Highlands, Glencoe & Oban Tour: $182
  • 3-Day Isle of Skye Inverness Highlands and Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour from Edinburgh: $233
  • 3-Hour Private Edinburgh Castle Tour: $274
  • Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh: $71
  • Alnwick Castle, Northumberland & Scottish Borders 1-Day Tour: $74
  • Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Tour with Admission: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Edinburgh $19
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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Edinburgh

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:


  • Beer & Wine
    $18
  • Half Pint at Tollbooth Tavern
    $2.06

Sample the Local Flavors in Edinburgh

Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Shots & Discounts: $11
  • Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry: $19
  • Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: $19
  • Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with "Real-Actors": $25
  • East Lothian: Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting: $26
  • Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery: $28
  • Pickering's Gin Jolly Distillery Tasting Tour: $31
  • Lind & Lime Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting: $31
  • Whisky Tasting and Tales at Summerhall Distillery: $31
  • Pub Crawl 7 Bars with 6 Shots: $31
  • The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: $32
  • Visit a Working South Loch Gin Distillery: $32


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Ephesus.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Edinburgh Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh?

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 Edinburgh in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Edinburgh. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ephesus is much warmer than Edinburgh in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Edinburgh 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Edinburgh in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Edinburgh. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Edinburgh averages at about 10°C (49°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 Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Edinburgh 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Edinburgh in the Winter?

Both Edinburgh and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Edinburgh can be very cold during winter. In January, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Edinburgh fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Edinburgh 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Edinburgh in the Spring?

Both Edinburgh and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Ephesus is much warmer than Edinburgh in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Edinburgh fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Edinburgh. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Edinburgh 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Edinburgh and Ephesus

Ephesus Edinburgh
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 14°C (58°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)