A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Ephesus vs. Izmir for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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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.

Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $160, while the average daily cost in Izmir is $117. 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
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $78
    Izmir $68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $156
    Izmir $136
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.

Hotels in Ephesus


Hotels in Izmir


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $57
    Izmir $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $164
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $115
  • 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: $30
  • Kusadasi Buggy Car Safari With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40
  • Kusadasi Half Day Quad Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kusadasi International Golf Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $93
  • Kusadasi Port Private Departure Transfer: $48
  • Kusadasi Private Arrival Port Transfer: $32
  • Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: $101

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour with Private Airport Transfer: $755
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $427
  • Private Transfer From Izmir Airport to Pamukkale : $295
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bodrum: $295
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $241
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $230
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Bozbuk Bay (Akbuk) Hotels: $213
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Akbuk Hotels: $197
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $191
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Bergama: $186

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ephesus $37
    Izmir $27
Typical Food prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    $0.17
  • Dessert
    $0.19
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.66
  • Snacks
    $0.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Private Shore Excursion: Ephesus and Turkish Cooking Experience: $91
  • Ancient Ephesus and Cooking Class Private Tour from Kusadasi: $91
  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $120
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $212
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $229
  • Gourmet & Street Food Tour: Taste the Excellence at Kusadasi & Selcuk: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $65
    Izmir $23

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: $6.57
  • EPHESUS PRIVATE TOUR (Car & Guide): $9.99
  • SKIP THE LINE : Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Temple Group Tour: $9.99
  • Skip The Lines : Ephesus Mini Group Tour with Private Option: $15
  • Kusadasi Traditional Turkish Bath Hamam Experience : $18
  • Self-guided Virtual Tour of the ancient pearl of the Mediterranean: $18
  • Time Travel in Affordable and Spectacular Experience: $20
  • For Cruisers: Best of Ephesus Skip-The-Line Tour: $20
  • Ephesus, House of Mary, Artemis Temple Tour with lunch: $20
  • Kusadasi Quad Safari Adventure: $20
  • Kusadasi Scuba Diving Tour By Local Experts: $20
  • Economic Explorer Ephesus Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best of Ephesus Guided Tour from - to Izmir: $240
  • Ephesus Small Group Tour From Izmir: $108
  • From izmir Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary tours : $122
  • 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: $44
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $250
  • 2 Days Ephesus Pamukkale Tour: $530
  • 2 Days Private Byzantine & Ottoman & Ephesus Tour: $605
  • 2 Days Private Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $399
  • 2 Days Private Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour: $578
  • 2-Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour From Izmir: $479

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $17
    Izmir $9.92
Typical Alcohol prices in Ephesus

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


  • Beer
    $0.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $40
  • Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $52
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $61
  • Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $65
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $108
  • Ephesus Tour for Cruise Guests: Highlights with Wine Tasting: $139
  • Ancient Ephesus Private Tour Kusadasi with Wine Tasting at Seven Sages Vinery: $156
  • Ancient Ephesus Private Tour with Wine Tasting from Kusadasi: $338
  • Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi with Private Guide and Van: $469

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
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $120
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $159
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $186

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Izmir?

Izmir is bigger, and its population is about 39.6 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the population of Ephesus vs. 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 and the activities 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 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.
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Ephesus vs. Izmir Travel Comparison

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