Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Islamabad, 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 Islamabad?
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).
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $42. 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 Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Islamabad? 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 Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Islamabad $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
- Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $186
- Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $174
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $169
- Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
- Kusadasi to Pamukkale Hotels Private Transfer: $137
- Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
- Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $100
- Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
- Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad 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 $33Islamabad $15
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
- 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 $59Islamabad $9.48
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: $77
- Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
- Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $200
- Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
- Private Pergamum Tour from Izmir or Kusadasi: $274
- 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
- ( Skip The Line - Max 10 Pax) Small Group Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers : $25
- -e Bike Tour Through Vineyards with Ephesus Visit: $120
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Islamabad $2.88
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: $54
- Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
- 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: $131
- Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
- Full-Day Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $149
- Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $218
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Islamabad, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Islamabad is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Islamabad, 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 Islamabad?
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 Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. In July, Ephesus is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Ephesus is cooler than Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Islamabad.
In the winter, Ephesus is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 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 Islamabad. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Islamabad.
In April, Ephesus is generally much colder than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Islamabad. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.