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

Should you visit Ephesus or Jaisalmer?

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

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

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).

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in western part of the Rajasthan state of India. The city is known as the "Golden City" for its Sonar Qila, or 'Golden Fort'. This fort is different than other forts in India in that it is a living fort, meaning that it contains many hotels, homes, and shops for locals and visitors. The city is very close to the Thar Desert, to which excursions can be made.

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 India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Jaisalmer or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ephesus Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Jaisalmer Prices
    India Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ephesus $109
    Jaisalmer $41

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $109, while the average daily cost in Jaisalmer is $41. 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 Jaisalmer in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $45
    Jaisalmer $12
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $90
    Jaisalmer $24
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Jaisalmer

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Jaisalmer? 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 Jaisalmer


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 Jaisalmer Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $33
    Jaisalmer $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Private Transfer Kusadasi, Port, Hotel From/To Izmir Airport: $299
  • Private Airport Transfer In Ephesus: $205
  • Transfer from/to Izmir Airport ADB to/from Didim Area: $194
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $177
  • Akbuk Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $171
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $154
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • One way Private Airport Transfer to Kusadasi Izmir Airport: $125
  • Didim (Altinkum) Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $119
  • Private Guided Ephesus Tour with Cruise port Transfers: $110
  • Pamucak Beach Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaisalmer

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

  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Delhi: $197
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Agra: $181
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jaipur: $117
  • 2-Night Camel Safari with Meals & Transfers: $96
  • Transfer From Jaisalmer To Udaipur Via Ranakpur Jain Temple: $90
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Pushkar: $85
  • Jaisalmer To Bikaner Private One Way Transfer: $64
  • From Bikaner : Private Transfer To Jaisalmer: $60
  • Jaisalmer to Jodhpur Private Transfer with Door to Door AC Car: $58
  • From Jaisalmer : Private Transfer To Bikaner: $55
  • From Jaisalmer : Transfer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $48
  • Private Transfer From Jaisalmer To Jodhpur Via Osian Temple: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Jaisalmer?

Prices for flights to both Jaisalmer 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 $38
    Jaisalmer $20
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Sandwiches
    $0.10
  • Dessert
    $0.11
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.38
  • Snacks
    $0.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus, Selcuk City Stroll, and Street Food Tour: $63
  • Ephesus and Selcuk City Food Tour Street Eats and History: $113
  • Private Ephesus Tour & Cooking Experience with locals: $189
  • Kusadasi Selcuk Ephesus Gourmet and Street Food Tour: $228
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $290

Typical Food Prices in Jaisalmer

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


  • Dinner
    $4.21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaisalmer

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

  • off beat Desert safari with sunset and dinner: $10
  • Jaisalmer Food Tour: Taste the Flavors of the Golden City!: $13
  • Authentic Desert Farm Visit and Cooking Class: $25
  • Jodhpur Camel & Jeep Safari with Sunset, Folk Dance, Dinner: $25
  • Dinner on the Dunes & Camel Safari: $25
  • Jaisalmer Heritage & Cultural Walking & Street Food Tour: $25
  • Camel Trails Sunset Safari with Dinner: $32
  • Pleasant Sunset Safari With Dinner On Dunes (From 2:00 PM to Approx. 10:00 PM): $35
  • Sunset Safari With Dinner: $37
  • Cooking Class with Local Family & Rooftop Meal: $37
  • Jeep Camel Ride, Musical Evening & Traditional Buffet Dinner: $37
  • Blissful Half-Day Sunset Camel Safari, Musical Eve & Dinner: $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $38
    Jaisalmer $11

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • "Double UNESCO Wonders: Private Pamukkale & Aphrodisias Tour": $251
  • 2 Day Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Kusadasi or Selcuk: $128
  • 2 Days Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour: $200
  • 2 Days Ephesus and Istanbul Tour from Kusadasi and Istanbul Ports: $285
  • 2 Hour Turkish Bath Experience in Kusadasi: $27
  • 2-Hour Kusadasi Safari Buggy Experience: $41
  • 3-Hour Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Cruiser Only: $27
  • ALL INCLUDED: Ephesus Tour for Cruisers including ENTRY TICKETS: $55
  • ALL INCLUSIVE Private Ephesus, Terrace Houses tour with LUNCH: $169
  • ALL INCLUSIVE Private Guided Tour For Your Family Lunch & Entrances are INCLUDED: $179
  • ALL INCLUSIVE VIP EphesusTour+Skip the Line Tickets(For Cruisers): $90
  • ALL TICKETS INCLUDED-Ephesus, House Virgin Mary and Artemis: $129

Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaisalmer

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


  • Sam Sand Dunes for Two
    $3.16

Tours and Activities in Jaisalmer

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

  • 02 nights authentic wild camping & Luxury Camping Experience: $129
  • 2 Days Sharing Group Thar Desert Safari Adventure Tour: $8.60
  • 2 Days-1 Night Camel Tour: $110
  • 2 Night 3 Days Non Touristic Thar Desert & Camel Safari Adventure: $49
  • 2 Nights 3 Days Nomadic Thar Desert Adventure Safari Tour: $105
  • 3 Days Private Jaisalmer Tour: $180
  • 4-day Jaisalmer And Jodhpur Combo Tour: $210
  • 5 Days Udaipur Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Tour: $266
  • Adventure & Campfire Overnight Desert Safari: $32
  • Adventure non touristic camel safari: $27
  • All-Inclusive Jaisalmer Full or Half Day Sightseeing Tour: $48
  • Amazing Overnight experience under the stars in Thar Desert: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $9.67
    Jaisalmer $8.13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

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


  • Beer
    $0.08

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

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

  • Private Ephesus Guided Tour Fast Track Entry and Wine Tasting: $12
  • PRIVATE & GROUP: EPHESUS TOUR with Wine Tasting (SKIP-THE-LINE): $20
  • Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tour from Kusadasi Port for Cruisers: $23
  • POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $29
  • Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $41
  • Guided Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting in Sirince Village: $45
  • FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
  • Sirince Village and Wine Tour with Artemis Temple: $56
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $69
  • For Cruisers Ephesus Ruins and Sirince Village Wine Tasting Tour: $99
  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus Tour & Wine Tasting in Sirince Village: $108


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Jaisalmer, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Jaisalmer much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaisalmer 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 Jaisalmer.

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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Jaisalmer, 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.