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

Should you visit Ephesus or Kerala?

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

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

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).

Kerala

Palm trees, sandy beaches, and vibrant culture. You'll find all of these things in Kerala, India. Located in the south of the country, Kerala is known as one of the top ten paradises in the world.

This area is covered in a beautiful, natural ecosystem including backwaters, mountains, coconuts and spices. The heavy, yearlong rains provide lush and gorgeous vegetation, and earn the area a spot on the list of the wettest spots on earth.

Kerala is very different from the rest of India. For one, this area is the most literate and diverse area in in the country with churches, mosques, Hindu temples and even synagogues. This states' education and healthcare are far beyond the rest of the country- putting them on par with many Western areas of the world. However, even though this area is incredibly diverse and progressive, do not expect everyone to speak or understand English.

The best part is that this area is by far the safest in all of India. There is almost no incidence of tourists being cheated or taken for granted.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Kerala or Ephesus?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $113, while the average daily cost in Kerala is $458. 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 Kerala in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $47
    Kerala $252
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $94
    Kerala $504
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Kerala

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Kerala? 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 Kerala


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $34
    Kerala $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

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

  • Daily Ephesus Tour with Skip-The-Line Tickets, Lunch and Transfer: $189
  • Horse Riding Experience in Kusadasi for Everyone with Transfers: $46
  • Kusadasi Boat Trip With Lunch And Hotel Transfer: $55
  • Kusadasi Horse Riding Beach and Forest options with Transfer: $89
  • Kusadasi Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $101
  • Kusadasi Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport: $91
  • Milas Bodrum Airport (BJV) Transfer to OR from Kusadasi: $140
  • Pamucak Beach Hotels to Izmir Airport ADB Transfers: $113
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $63
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $54
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private VIP Transfer For/To ADB Airport: $166

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kerala

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kerala:

  • Private Transfer from Trivandrum to Alleppey: Travel Guide: $191
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Isha Foundation Coimbatore: $170
  • Kovalam to Alleppey Private Transfer: $130
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Munnar Hotel: Hassle-Free Ride: $118
  • Private Transfer from Kovalam to Alleppey: Hassle-Free Journey: $108
  • Private Transfer: Cochin Airport (COK) to Munnar: $105
  • Private Transfer:Fort Kochi to Munnar: $100
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Marari: Relaxed & Convenient Ride: $83
  • Cochin to Vagamon Transfer: $80
  • Private Transfer from Cochin to Alleppey or Kumarakom Hotel: $79
  • Athirappilly Waterfalls Day Trip from Kochi with Transfers: $67
  • Private Transfer from Kochi City to Kochi (COK) Airport: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Kerala?

Prices for flights to both Kerala 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 $39
    Kerala $162
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)
    $0.40
  • Snacks
    $0.17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

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

  • Aegean Home Cooking with a Local Family in Kuşadası: $67
  • Aegean Home Cooking Class in Kusadası: $67
  • FOR CRUISERS: Ephesus, Selcuk City Stroll, and Street Food Tour: $107
  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $139
  • Private Ephesus Tour & Cooking Experience with locals: $179

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kerala

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kerala.

  • Enjoy the best Food tour in kochi with a local !: $19
  • Kerala Traditional Village Cooking Class in Munnar: $19
  • Private candle light dinner: $20
  • WE COOKS- Home Cooking Class in Munnar: $23
  • Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class - Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!: $35
  • Cooking classes @ Aryavilla heritage, Varkala: $41
  • Biryani - Cooking Class in Fort Kochi: $54
  • Biryani Cooking class with House Chef: $54
  • Kerala Muslim Cooking Class with a Riverfront View in Kochi: $69
  • Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana: $70
  • Group Kerala Cooking Demo & Home Dining Experience in Kochi: $75
  • Kerala Cooking Class with Charming Freeda in her Kochi Home: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $39
    Kerala $76

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

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

  • Kusadasi Private Shopping Tour by Taxi – From Cruise Port: $3.75
  • Kusadasi Legacy of the Ottomans: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.91
  • Best of Ephesus Tour For Cruisers From Kusadasi Port: $9.80
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $9.90
  • Kusadasi Cruise Port: Private Bazaar & Local Shopping Tour: $10
  • Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour For Cruisers: $11
  • Kusadasi Shopping and Turkish Bath Tour with Lunch and Workshop: $12
  • Ephesus Private Tour with Shopping + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $12
  • Kusadasi Walking City and Shopping Tour from Kusadasi Port: $12
  • Ephesus and Artemis Tour with Lunch: $12
  • Ephesus Shopping Tour: $13
  • Private Ephesus Tour from Cruise Port - Lunch & Skip The Lines: $13

Tours and Activities in Kerala

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

  • 1 Day Activity Adventure Trekking Kerala: $111
  • 12 Hours Private Munnar Tour from Kochi: $119
  • 2 Nights Misty Munnar Sightseeing (Private Tour with Car) - Iris Holidays: $112
  • 2 Nights, 3 Days Kerala Backwaters & Beaches Tour: $310
  • 21hrs Houseboat Tour through Alleppeys Serene Canals & Local Life: $168
  • 3 Nights Private Deluxe Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Houseboat/Cochin: $260
  • 3-4 hours Kochi Tuk-Tuk Tour with Pickup from Cruise Ships: $12
  • 4 Days - Munnar, Alleppey Houseboat & Kochi sightseeing: $289
  • 4 Days Best of Kerala Tour with Private Houseboat, Sightseeing & Car: $187
  • 4 Days Private Kerala Tour -Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady with 3* Hotel: $195
  • 4 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour in Kochi From Cruise terminal: $14
  • 4 nights-Budget Tour- Cochin/Munnar/Thekkady/Houseboat / Cochin: $263

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $10
    Kerala $72
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:

  • Ephesus Shore Excursion & Wine Tasting + Lunch - Opt Turkish Bath: $35
  • FOR CRUISERS:Kusadasi Port Private Wine Tasting and Ephesus Tour: $45
  • POTTERY PAINTING & WINE TASTING Tour from Kusadasi Port: $49
  • Sirince Village and Wine Tour with Artemis Temple: $58
  • LGBTQ+ Friendly Ephesus Shore Excursion & Local Wine Tasting: $69
  • Kusadasi Shore Excursions Ephesus and Wine Tasting Tours: $70
  • Private Ephesus and Sirince Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $92
  • Ephesus & Şirince Village with Lunch& Wine Tasting (Fixed Price): $115
  • Private Ephesus Tour & Wine Tasting at Boutique Winery & Lunch: $179


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Kerala, we can see that Kerala is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ephesus is in Europe and Kerala 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 Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Kerala would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kerala than you might in Ephesus.

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


Which has a larger population, Ephesus or Kerala?

Kerala has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus and Kerala, 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.