Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Izmir?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Izmir, 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 Izmir?
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).
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Antalya, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Turkey, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Turkey, and The Best Historical Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Izmir $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $105. 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 Izmir in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Izmir $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Izmir $120
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Izmir
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Izmir? 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 Izmir Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Izmir $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bodrum Scuba Diving tour with BBQ Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $75
- 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: $66
- Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $40
- Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $168
- Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $92
- Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $63
- Kusadasi Samos Ferry Trip With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $55
- Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
- Pamucak Beach Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $293
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $293
- Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $228
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $211
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $190
- Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $184
- Izmir Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $176
- Izmir International Airport (ADB): Private Transfer to Çeşme: $166
- Izmir International Airport (ADB) to Ayvalık - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Kusadasi International Golf Hotels: $130
- Arrival Transfer from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Pamukkale: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Izmir?
Prices for flights to both Izmir 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 $33Izmir $24
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
- Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $227
- Kusadasi Gourmet & Street Food Tour From Port: $279
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Izmir $21
Tours and Activities in Ephesus
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
- Self-guided Virtual Tour of The Highlights: $6.50
- Entry Free: Drive by Ephesus and Ancient Wonder Tour: $12
- Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $17
- Half-Day Ancient City of Ephesus Tour from Kusadasi Port: $18
- Skip the Line:Private& Small Group Ephesus Tour For Cruise Guest : $19
- SKIP THE LINE :Best Seller Ephesus Private Tour For Cruiser Guest: $19
- Private & Mini Group Classical Ephesus Tour For Cruisers: $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
- For Cruise Guests: Best of Ephesus Tour: $21
- For Cruisers: Best of Ephesus & Shopping Tour: $21
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- From izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary tours : $285
- Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $130
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
- Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
- 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,063
- Alaçatı And Çeşme Private Tour: $100
- Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $281
- Aphrodisias & Laodicea & Pamukkale Tour: $213
- Aphrodisias Tour from Izmir: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Izmir $8.86
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&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 Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Izmir, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Izmir Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Izmir?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Izmir, 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 Izmir?
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 Izmir in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Izmir.
In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Izmir. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Izmir 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Izmir in the Autumn?
Both Izmir and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Izmir in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Izmir fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during autumn. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Izmir. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Izmir 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Izmir in the Winter?
Both Izmir and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Ephesus is a little warmer than Izmir. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Izmir averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun.
Izmir gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Izmir. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Izmir 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Izmir in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Izmir.
In April, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Izmir. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Izmir. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Izmir 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Izmir and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Izmir | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.