Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?
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).
Karlovy Vary
Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEphesus $143Karlovy Vary $81
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is $81. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEphesus $70Karlovy Vary $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEphesus $140Karlovy Vary $78
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ephesus $51Karlovy Vary $26
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
- Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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 $33Karlovy Vary $26
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
- 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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ephesus $59Karlovy Vary $12
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
Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEphesus $15Karlovy Vary $6.54
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 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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Ephesus is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Karlovy Vary?
Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?
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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
Both Karlovy Vary and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In July, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Karlovy Vary. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEphesus 27°C (81°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
Both Karlovy Vary and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Ephesus is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEphesus 19°C (66°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Karlovy Vary.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. In the winter, Ephesus is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 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 Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEphesus 10°C (50°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Ephesus or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Karlovy Vary.
In April, Ephesus is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°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 Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEphesus 15°C (59°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Ephesus
| Ephesus | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.