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

Should you visit Ephesus or Florence?

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

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

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).

Florence

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Florence 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 Florence is $165. 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 Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Florence $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Florence $186
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Florence

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Florence? 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 Florence


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 Florence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Florence $23

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 Florence

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


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    $8.57
  • Taxi from Airport
    $27
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    $32
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    $5.36
  • Bus From Airport
    $5.36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Sorrento: $2,138
  • From Amalfi Coast Transfer with a Stop in Pompeii: $1,176
  • Transfer Between Florence and Rome with Sightseeing Stop: $1,176
  • Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to Florence or Siena: $893
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer to Pisa: $567
  • Private Transfer to Bologna Airport (BLQ): $429
  • From Private Transfer to Siena: $396
  • From Private Transfer to Livorno Port: $386
  • Transfer from Livorno Port to Accommodation: $386
  • Florence Airport (FLR): One-Way/Roundtrip Private Transfer: $314
  • Horse ride in the Mugello (transfer from / to Florence) and Tuscan aperitif: $293
  • Private Transfer from San Casciano in Val di Pesa to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $292

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
    Florence $38
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 Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    $6.96
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $23
  • Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Virtual Live Cooking Class What Do You Have in Your Pantry: $35
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $41
  • Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
  • Florence Food Tour: Home-Made Pasta, Truffle, Cantucci, Olive Oil, Gelato: $41
  • Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
  • Walking Food Tour at Sunset with Tastings: $47
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $61
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Florence $32

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 Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    $12
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    $4.29
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    $107
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    $21
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    $6.43
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    $7.50

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • Best of Florence walking tour & Accademia Gallery- monolingual small group tour: $92
  • Florence FoodTour with Local Guide: $191
  • Florence-Private bike tour: $98
  • From Sunset Panoramic e-Bike or Classic Bike tour : $38
  • Semi-Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour: $71
  • Tour Private of Florence in electric car : $41
  • VIP Uffizi Gallery Tour: $75
  • "Good Morning Chianti Classico" - Tour in 2 wineries with lunch: $196
  • 1-Hour Experience with Brunello. Visit to the Vineyard and Cellar: $35
  • 1-Hour Golf Cart Private Tour through the Center of Florence: $49
  • 2 Hour Private Guided Tour: Uffizi Galleries for Families: $38
  • 2-Hour Guided Tour to Uffizi Gallery and its Symbols: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Florence $20
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 Florence

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


  • Glass of Chianti
    $4.50
  • Bottle of Wine
    $8.04

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

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

  • Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
  • Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
  • Biodynamic Wine Tasting with Producer in Vinci: $28
  • 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
  • From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
  • Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
  • Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
  • Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
  • Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
  • Chianti Wine Tour: Tuscan Reds : $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43
  • Wine Tasting and Pairing Class Guided Tour in Florence: $43


When comparing the travel costs between Ephesus and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Florence during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Florence. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Florence 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ephesus is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Florence. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Florence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Florence. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Florence. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Florence 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Florence. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Florence. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Florence 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Florence and Ephesus

Ephesus Florence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)